Someone who has not experienced this can only imagine what it means to be a victim of the elements. Flood victims are struggling with the effects of great water and great trauma. When asked how they feel, they often say that adrenaline is holding them back for now. When it wears off, they will need specialist psychological help. Until then, let simple human kindness be their therapy.
If you are experiencing emotional problems and would like advice or support, here you will find a list of organizations offering professional help. In a life-threatening situation, call 997 or 112.
There was no time to think when they had to flee their homes. To save themselves and their loved ones. Now, where the water has subsided, there are huge emotions: helplessness, helplessness and lack of a sense of security.
– There is food, there is drink, there is everything, but there is simply no roof over our heads – says one of the residents of the flooded areas. – Everything is gone, we thought that there was something inside, but here there is nothing, not even a wall – echoes another resident.
“It can be compared to war”
They lost their homes, their jobs, but the water also took away their plans and dreams. – Life is starting over again, really. We all need psychological help here – says a resident.
Support comes from employees of the Family Assistance Center in Police in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.
– It can be compared to a war, simply to an armed conflict. These people lost everything. It is not important that no bomb fell there – comments Jacek Ciechowicz, a crisis intervention specialist.
They are ready to support them in this “war”. At any time of day or night. Just call this toll-free number:
Crisis intervention telephone numberTVN24
On September 21 and 22, Mr. Jacek is also on duty. – Questions are asked: how to help. Well, just listen at first. Don't ask too many questions – says Jacek Ciechowicz.
Because when your whole life collapses along with your home, or your only source of income is lost overnight, words of comfort are not enough.
– We avoid saying things like “it'll be fine”, “you'll manage somehow”, “it could be worse” – says Teresa Abram, a crisis intervention specialist. – It's as if we were disregarding what these people are going through, and for them it's the end of the world – emphasizes Jacek Ciechowicz.
That is why Beata Karlińska, director of the District Family Assistance Centre in Police, appeals to the Prime Minister to immediately send as many specialists as possible from all over Poland to areas affected by natural disasters to help in crisis situations.
– These people need another person who will prepare them for the changes. It is not always a psychologist. A crisis interventionist is a good start – says Beata Karlińska, director of the District Family Assistance Center in Police.
A person who will help them create a plan of action will prepare them for a new reality, and at the same time give them hope that all is not lost. Because now they live in fear and uncertainty.
– We still don't know where we stand and we're actually left without a home – says one of the residents of the flood-affected areas. – I was flooded. I lost everything, I had a rehabilitation home adapted to the needs of a blind person – adds another.
“People help each other”. Flood clean-up underway in Stronie Śląskie and GłuchołazyMichalina Czepita/Fakty po Południe TVN24
– Now we have to prepare them for a change in living conditions, perhaps a place of residence, a change of school – emphasizes Beata Karlińska.
“Let's not be afraid to help”
Social workers who work on-site are often in a similar situation and have to worry about their fate.
– The PCPR in Kłodzko is flooded, so they themselves also need help. Here, as in other places, external helpers are needed – Beata Karlińska points out.
– These people need to see what their lives will look like in the coming days, so let's not kid ourselves that some kind of psychotherapy will be taking place at this point – says Michalina Kulczykowska psychologist, crisis intervention specialist.
Sometimes gestures are more important than words. – Sometimes words are not needed at all. Just sitting next to someone, just human company – says Jacek Ciechowicz.
Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
It is important not to avoid talking to children and try to explain to them what is happening now.
– We speak to a small, five-year-old child differently than to a teenager, although we speak sincerely and honestly. We do not hide any information – instructs Michalina Kulczykowska.
– If we don't know when we'll be back home, then just say that at this point we don't know when we'll be back home. We'll all try to get back home as soon as possible – adds Jacek Ciechowicz.
For now, adrenaline is working, but the worst moment is ahead of them. According to specialists, after such a cataclysm, many of them will face trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Because you can't mentally prepare for what they have to face.
– The feeling of loneliness, abandonment, that now no one cares about us and then therapeutic and psychological help and support are the most important – emphasizes Jacek Ciechowicz.
Main image source: Contact24