SOME TIPS FOR COPING AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
An event such as the kaikoura earthquake, which is outside the range of usual experience, can be acutely distressing. It is not unusual to have a stress reaction to such a major event.
These stress reactions are your psychological attempts to cope with what for some will be overwhelming events.
Just as the body may go into shock after a physical injury, it is normal to experience a type of emotional or psychological shock in response to an event such as this.
Normal reactions to the earthquake
Everyone’s reaction and experience is a very personal one.
However, the following list is a guide to possible normal reactions:
• Preoccupation with the earthquake and its results
• Anger and irritability
• Anxiety
• Increased emotionality, feelings seem to be of a greater intensity than is usual; or, conversely, a numbing which prevents awareness of feeling
• Sleep disturbance
• Difficulty with concentration and/or memory
• Confused thinking and difficulty making decisions
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
While stress reactions are normal, how we deal with them does make a significant difference in how much these reactions will disrupt our lives.
Some ways of “reacting to the reactions” are more helpful than others. In fact, not dealing effectively with these stress responses can greatly delay recovery from them.
The following suggestions are often useful ways of coping effectively and building your resilience.
• Do not isolate yourself. While getting away from everyone may immediately feel less threatening or less distressing, it very often impedes healing.
• Remind yourself of coping strategies which have worked for you in the past. Use your proven resilience techniques.
• Talk out what happened and most importantly, how you feel about what happened. Telling what happened while avoiding your feelings leaves you with just telling “war stories”. Telling your story to identify and express the feelings you experienced helps make any unpleasant feelings more bearable.
• Reach out to your partner, family and close friends - to those you trust and know care about you.
• Eat healthy food and beverages.
• Do something nice for yourself.
• Do something to help someone else. This can be helpful to your own recovery.
• Exercise, it can re-energize you and help to clear your mind.
• Remember, your reactions are normal and are likely to be shared by others.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.2% Yes
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13.8% No
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1% Other - I'll share below
scumbags
There are some really awful people around at the moment. This is what happened on Sunday.
We live in Hinemoa Street opposite the Waiwhetu Stream. At around 3.40 in the afternoon I was looking out my window and saw a car pull up and start to feed the geese and ducks out the window. Then The passenger an asian man jumped out and threw himself onto a goose. he picked it up and put it the boot of the car.
I immediately ran over and stood in front of his car to stop him moving I also called my husband to help. A lovely man was riding his bike and saw it and stopped to help me. The driver tried to drive into me but I didnt move. He tried telling us it was his pet. These are wild geese.
They had a cage in the boot and some wire all ready to catch the poor bird like they have done it before. My husband took the bird from the car and released it. I then moved out of the way and after lots of abuse from the driver they drove off threatening to come back and get more.
No one should be allowed to take these beautiful birds and certainly not like this. they are all starting to have wee babies at the moment the whole thing was so upsetting to me. Another neighbour further down the road also saw it all happen.
Please keep a look out for this car and if you see them by the stream go over and watch them lets all stop this happening.
Seasonal Home Check-Up Reminder! 🔍
Hi everyone!
As the seasons change, it’s time to think about your home’s exterior. Inspecting for cracks, peeling, or other signs of wear is crucial to maintaining your property. Small issues can lead to bigger problems if not addressed.
If you notice any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out! At Texturite, we specialise in repairs and restorations to ensure your home stays protected from the elements.
📞 027 341 3454 📍 Serving the Kapiti / Wellington region
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