Emergency and the Domains of Well-being

The experience of well-being is a desired state for human beings; however, it is often harder to attain than we might hope. The current trauma-inducing state of our world often stands in the way of well-being for countless individuals who endure poverty, suffering, disease, hunger and so many more reasons. For the next few months in our blog we will share information about the Domains of Well-being with you and provide resources to help you learn more about this currently elusive state.   

The Well-being International Collective – “The White Paper:“ In the nineties a group of professionals in health care, behavioral services and aging met to work on what well-being for humans really meant. After review of evidence-based studies, their experience in the field and collaborative effort, the “White Paper” was born. This work outlined the elements of well-being necessary for all human beings to live a full and rich life.

The Domains of Well-being: These elements were: identity, autonomy, connectedness, security/safety, meaning, growth and joy. These elements aligned with Maslow’s hierarchy of need in that the basics of the domains security and safety were foundational, as are the physical needs areas of Maslow’s hierarchy. In the domains, joy is the highest achievement and in Maslow’s Hierarchy, it is self-actualization and esteem both of which bring joy.

Let’s Kick it off with Safety and Security! Most of us have detailed emergency plans in our places of work. Most companies drill those safety procedures. Fire drills, active shooter, tornado warnings, violent storms and snow emergencies are just a few of those types of drills. Regardless of where you reside, what are your drills to protect yourself and your family from natural disasters, political insurrection and violence? We used to think that these types of emergencies and disasters were outside of our post- War II bubble of safety and security in America. That was until the destruction of the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001 and the Insurrectionist Revolt on January 6^th, 2021 in Washington D.C. That safe feeling, that our homeland and democracy were protected from destruction, is no longer present. Noted below are several ideas to support you and help create a safer environment in these unsettling times.

A Safe and Secure Home, Office and Transport in Between:

• Bug-out kit, (also sometimes called a Boogie Bag) which should be ready  at all times in case you must evacuate. Ensure enough supplies for 3 – 4 days. Here are essentials for your kit:
  • Safeguard records and identification. Carry ID at all times.
  • Identify and list and carry with you your support network and engage as needed.
  • Bring water and a water purification filter and tablets. You will need one gallon of water per day per person.
  • A fully-equipped first aid kit.
  • A multi-tool, and don’t buy a cheap one, they fall apart.
  • Flashlight(s), spare batteries or charger.
  • Crank and/or solar radio.
  • Walkie-talkies with solar-batteries.
  • Shelter, tent, tarp or some other means of making shelter.
  • Lighter(s), matches, flints.
  • Basic hygiene items.
  • Blankets, sleeping bags, travel or inflatable pillows,
  • A map, compass, whistle and flares.
  • If you are headed to the back country, carry bear spray and other wildlife deterrents.
• If you are not evacuating and are sheltering in place, you will still need communication alternatives like solar-batteries, crank radios, walkie-talkies, fully charged cell phones, and hot spots on phones. Solar powered generators are also lifesavers.
• Keep your car/van/RV/motorcycle(s) in good repair.
• Plan escape routes out of your home or work space, and a determine places where everyone will meet up and be accounted for.
• Drill often, perhaps at the same times each year that you check your smoke alarms. Drill for fire, tornado, power outages, insurrection, water shortages or pollution, etc.
• Consider cameras on your property that allow you can see images on your phones, laptops or PCs.
• Apps that help with planning and information: FEMA and Emergency Severe Weather apps, remember your local emergency dispatcher (911 or your local emergency number). Consider a H.A.M. radio.
• Websites for emergency planning:  https://www.fema.gov/, each state website should also have a section on emergencies and emergency planning. If you don’t immediately see this, use the state website search box. United Way also has emergency planning information at https://www.unitedway.org/. Google “emergency preparedness” and you will get multiple free resources. 
• Securing your mental and physical health is also essential. If you are staged or camped somewhere, stay together, do not venture alone in an unknown area. Ensure you have a way to communicate with home base. Practice 4 X 4 X 4 X 4 breathing (in breath to 4 counts, hold 4 counts, breathe out to 4 counts, hold 4 counts, repeat). It reduces anxiety and grounds us. You cannot think clearly if you cannot relax.

Finding the real facts (not the propaganda) is highly recommended. I am not a dooms day conspiracy theorist this is just common sense behavior for a world in turmoil. Turn to organizations like Snopes at https://www.snopes.com/, they are a reliable resource to investigate questionable news reporting, rumors, social media hype, etc. They do exhaustive fact-checking. Also, check more than one resource for credible news and compare findings. Examine the reporting for actual facts and resources/sources for checking them.

Emergency planning is not meant to be a scare tactic, only readiness to support your safety and well-being in the event that an emergency should arise. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and the peace it brings is good for our mental health. We live in challenging times which can be disruptive and make it hard to find our way. Let’s work on our safety and security Domain of Well-being as a foundation to build upon. This planning is solid, simple to be organized and a remedy for the chaos emergency situations can bring.

What Gives Me the Street Cred to Talk About All This? I was a practicing long term healthcare administrator for many years, responsible for the care and safety of all those employed and residing in the homes I worked with. Emergency plans were required, detailed and regularly reviewed to ensure all emergent events could be managed well and everyone would be kept safe. We took it seriously. I want you to be prepared to do the same.

Other Resources for Well-being and the Domain of Safety and Security:

• The Wellness Workbook and Wellness Index workbook, by John W. Travis M.D., and Regina Sara Ryan. This book is a wonderful resource for the cultivation of a well-balanced life.
• “The White Paper” located on the Eden Alternative’s website, https://www.edenalt.org/, tells the story of the development of the Domains of Well-being.
• Your local county emergency planning disaster assessments (ask at the county building office for them) and you can review them.

As always,

Sandra (Sandy) Place,

sandy@asandyplace.com