In a situation like what the people of Grindavík are experiencing now, with evacuations underway and a state of emergency in the area, it is expected that people will experience all sorts of emotions. It is uncomfortable to feel powerless against nature. Living with the uncertainty that now prevails is challenging, and it is especially important to take care of one's well-being.

When you experience natural disasters, you might:

• Feel physically and mentally exhausted.

• Have difficulty making decisions or concentrating.

• Experience mood swings and become easily irritated or jumpy.

• Experience fatigue, sadness, numbness, loneliness, or worry.

• Notice changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

What you can do:

• Try to focus on the things that you can control in these circumstances.

• Pay attention to nutrition, rest, and exercise to gather energy.

• Stay in touch with family and friends. Giving and receiving support is the most important thing you can do.

• Be patient with yourself and those around you. Earthquakes like these affect people differently, and many might need some time to put their feelings into words and get a grip on their thoughts.

• Show yourself kindness, it's normal to have all sorts of feelings in these circumstances.

• Try to prioritize what needs to be done and tackle tasks in small steps.

• If you find that stress and discomfort are overwhelming and unmanageable over a long period, you can seek further assistance from the healthcare system.

Source: www.redcross.is

Children experience difficult events differently than adults. Experiencing a natural disaster can cause children to become frightened, confused, and insecure, especially if they have experienced distressing events before.

Children may not always talk about their worries, so they sometimes manifest in the child's behaviour. Some react immediately, others may show concerns weeks or months later. It can help parents to recognize the signs and respond accordingly.

• They might be more agitated or show other changes in behaviour.

• They might become more clingy, be more sensitive, or cry more often.

• They might need more attention or reassurance from trusted adults. It's important for adults to try to be calm, as children observe their reactions and infer danger from them.

Here are some tips on how to talk to children:

• Give children the opportunity to express themselves.

• Allow the children to discuss their fears and worries.

• Ask them what they want to know.

• Don't be afraid to admit that you don't have all the answers.

• Answer their questions in a way that is appropriate for their age and with honesty.

• Remind ourselves and them that our country possesses this great power, but we have systems at work to protect us and find ways. We learn to respond to and manage emergencies and tackle this together.

The Red Cross helpline 1717

Chatline at 1717.is Open 24 hours.

Source: The Icelandic Red Cross www.redcross.is

On the website of The directorate of health you can find good information Advice during uncertain times | The Directorate of Health (island.is)

Here you can request support, interviews with professionals or education regarding the natural disaster. The town of Grindavík manages registration for education, interviews and the support is provided by professionals.

Parents can register for a training course on the well-being of children in natural hazards, they can also book an interview with a psychologist or get family counselling if you go to the link Skráning. Registration.

More resources:

• Support and assistance is given at Tryggvagata Service Centres and in Service Center in Reykjanesbær.

• The service center at Tryggvagata is open on weekdays from 10.00-16.00.

• The Service Center in Reykjanesbær is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays in Reykjanesbær from 14-17. Tel. 4201100

More resources:

• Bergið headspace is a support and counselling center for young people up to the age of 25. In Bergið, individuals can get a free interview with professionals where counselling and support is provided Register here for appointment

• Support Centre for Grindvíkingar at Kara Connect - you can talk to a psychologist or other professionals remotely. Register here for appointment

• Call 1717 The Red Cross Helpline

• Online chat and phone consultation Heilsuvera, telephone: 513-1700

• The association Women Of Multicultural Ethnicity Network – W.O.M.E.N. in Iceland offer peer support online every Tuesday from 20.00 -22.00 pm. You can book a meeting from Friday to Tuesday until 16.00pm. It's open to all women of foreign origin who live in Iceland. This is a voluntary, confidential service and and it's free of charge. Registration here or via email support@womeniniceland.is They offer supportive service in Icelandic, English, Polish and other languages.

• The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland offers free interviews at the church service center and you can call 528-4300. You can request a call by logging into voicemail and making an appointment by contacting social worker and family therapist Andrea Baldursdóttir, phone 856-1551 andrea@kirkjan.is

• The Catholic Church in Iceland. If you need guidance and assistant please contact the catholic priest Mikołaj Kecik in Reykjanesbæ phone 618 5550 or via email mikolaj.kecik@gmail.com

• Social inclusion projects - The Red Cross

  You can participate in the social inclusion projects of the Red Cross and strengthen social connections by volunteering or participating. The projects aim to enhance and promote social participation with home visits, walks, drives, conversations, and more, it's based on the needs of the users. Apply here to participate or here to volunteer.

• Sudurnes Hopspital and Health Center tel; 4220500 link to website

• Health Care Centers in the capital area tel: 513 5000 link to website

• Health service map all over Iceland