Natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene not only upend lives but can significantly
affect our mental health – both in the short- and long-term. It is natural to feel stress, anxiety,
grief, and worry during and after a disaster. Sometimes certain areas or neighborhoods are the only ones affected by a natural disaster rather than an entire region – leaving those affected feeling even more isolated in their grief as others go about their daily life seemingly unbothered by the catastrophe. People go to work and children go back to school while those directly affected are forced to face a new reality – homes with no power, no water, and even worse, no timeline for when their lives will return to normal. The Rollercoaster of Emotions and Feelings In the aftermath of a natural disaster, common reactions include:
Shock and disbelief
Fear and anxiety about the future
Trouble concentrating or feeling confused
Irritability and anger
Nightmares and reoccurring thoughts about the event
Emotional numbing
Sadness and/or depression
Loss of appetite or overeating
Crying spells
Feeling powerless
Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep
Social isolation, reduced or restricted activities
Natural disasters are devastating for people and communities. But there is a silver lining.
A major disaster tends to bring out the best in people. It is not unheard of to hear a story on the news about a neighbor or total stranger putting their life at risk to help someone else. After an event, survivors of a disaster bond with others who understand what they are experiencing since everyone is moving through the event at the same time. Ongoing Stressors Experiencing symptoms in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster is not surprising
given the damage and disruption that normally follows such an event. Survivors of a disaster
may find it difficult to stop thinking about the event, have a tough time sleeping and feel
constantly on edge. Eventually, these reactions will subside over time. For those who lost loved ones, were injured or forced to temporarily or permanently relocate, those reactions will be felt more deeply and last longer. Along with the immediate problems major disasters cause, there are additional stressors that can make it difficult to move on:
Rebuilding takes time and money, which may not be readily available.
Families may endure heightened stress, especially if displaced family members move in.
Children’s education may be disrupted by either having to take classes online or attend a new school.
New health problems may arise, or pre-existing health problems may become worse due to stress.
Days or weeks may pass before your home can get assessed for damage and it may take
months to rebuild. Remember that emotional recovery takes time. So, be kind to yourself and take all the
time you need to heal and feel whole again. Resources for Help Go here to find out how you can give and receive help. Written By: Jennifer Gonzalez
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