There are some emotional consequences of being separated from loved ones. If that decision has been made or made for you, we may not like it but we have to accept it. Make sure you are safe and allow yourself to be happy. Know that you will be together again in this life or the next. There are many emotions that will plague you during this time: sadness (your heart will ache), anxiety, depression, anger, sarcasm, stress, shock, deceived. Each day will be a challenge and may leave you feeling drained.

 

There are ways to rationalize these emotions. Contact someone who can help and communicate your feelings to them. Contact your family and let them know that you need a shoulder to lean on. Your family should be able to understand if you have emotional outbursts and you should be understanding if they have them as well. Be on the lookout for suicidal feelings in yourself and loved ones.

 

Here are some tips for emotional healing in the short term. Remember the positive memories. Tell stories of the folks as they were. This can bring your whole group together. Remember the quarks that made them who they are. Take your mind back to that time and remember that person vividly. Keep photos, objects that they liked nearby to keep you smiling.

 

In a long term scenario remember life will go on. If it is in a SHTF situation and you do not have confirmation that someone died, don't say that they did. They are still a missing person. If there is no resolve you have two options: carry on with no resolve, or back track and try to confirm what happened. Remember you will see them again one day. Keep hope and faith alive. If you haven't rationalized this with in your group, your group is at risk as well as your existence in nature. Unspoken feelings can be much worse than communicating about what went on.