Surviving the Oil Spill in the Gulf

I've been a crisis specialist for over 10 years. During that time I have helped those who survived Hurricane Katrina, 911, Hurricane Ivan and hundreds of smaller, but just as traumatizing, events. Though you may feel you are losing everything the one thing you don't want to lose is your life. Maintaining your health while you are under deep and prolonged emotional stress is a challenge. But it's essential that you do so. No matter how terrible things may seem, time is an amazing healer. But you have to stay alive to reap its benefits. Here are some very important reminders to get you through this tragedy alive.

Take you prescribed medications -

It's easy to forget to take your medications when you are anxious and stressed. But not taking your heart or blood pressure medication is going to have dire consequences. Psychiatric medications, like anti-psychotics, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications will help you to cope with the stress. So if they are already prescribed remember to take them.

Don't resist asking your doctor to prescribe medication if the stress is causing you to become very depressed or anxious. Many people don't like to ask for medication to help them cope. Women do this more readily than men. Now is no time to 'tough it out'. Stress can be a killer. Taking medication to get you through this will not result in an addiction or dependency. Speak to your physician and get some help.

Remember to eat and sleep-

It's not the time to forget to eat regular meals. If your routine has changed and you begin eating junk food your health will decline especially if you have an illness that requires a specific diet. Or maybe you are so upset that you cannot eat at all. This can be very dangerous if you have an issue with your blood sugar - like diabetes.
If you are away from home you may forget to keep yourself hydrated. Drinking water is the best way to do so. Soda is better than nothing. If your urine is getting dark get something to drink immediately.

The stress may be preventing you from sleeping. But people who do not get enough sleep cannot think clearly, tend to get angrier more easily, cannot drive safely, and can put themselves and other in jeopardy. Do not drive if you have not slept. And if you haven't slept for more than two nights ask your doctor for a sleep aid. Again, you will not become addicted and this will only be a temporary measure until things calm down.

Try to control your emotions-

No matter how angry you allow yourself to get, most of what is occurring is out of your control. At best this crisis seems more like poorly controlled chaos than anything else. If you are a boat captain who is frustrated because he is having trouble registering his boat, keep trying. If you are losing business because of the spill listen to instructions and file your claims. I personally visited the claims office in Mobile and found it to be totally deserted. So if the offices along the coastline are crowded you may want to take a ride to Mobile to file your claim.

Watch You Alcohol Intake -

Whether you have a problem with alcohol or not the stress of this incident can easily make you turn to alcohol to help you to feel better. Don't use this as your excuse to relapse. Aside from the fact that alcohol is dehydrating, it will fog your thinking, make you short tempered and diminish your self control - all things you do not want to have happen. BP may have robbed you of a lot but only you can let it rob you of your health.

If you allow your emotions to become intense you increase the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack. The greatest tragedy would be if your family lost you.