For those of us in Western North Carolina, we are almost two weeks out from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. For some of us, life is starting to return to a more normal rhythm. But for others in our community, life has been uprooted and the devastating effects are just now beginning to sink in. Natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, can be unexpected, sudden, and overwhelming.
As a community and as a region, the collective grief seems to bind us together in ways that words cannot begin to explain. We have seen hope and love emerge in this time of crisis. Along with sparks of hope and love, we might have also felt fear and uncertainty.
In the aftermath of natural disasters, it is common to have a mix of emotions. We can feel gratitude for being safe, knowing our family and friends are safe. At the same time, we can feel anxious and nervous. Understanding your responses to these unexpected events can help you cope with the confusing mix of feelings, thoughts and emotions you might be experiencing.
What are Common Reactions after a Disaster?
After a disaster it is common to experience a wide range of emotions. At first, you may feel stunned, numb, or disoriented. Once these initial reactions pass, people can experience a wide array of emotions or thoughts. It is important to monitor your physical and emotional health after experiencing a natural disaster.
According to The American Psychiatric Association (APA), some common reactions in adults after a disaster include:
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Sadness, depression, hyperactivity, irritability or anger
- Having no feelings at all or feeling numb
- A lack of energy or feeling exhausted all the time
- Lack of appetite or, the opposite, eating all the time
- Trouble concentrating or feeling confused
- Social isolation, reduced or restricted activities
- Thinking no one else is having the same reactions as you
- Headaches, stomachaches or other body pains
- Misusing alcohol, tobacco, drugs or prescription medications to cope
Helpful Ways to Cope
Sometimes it is hard to know how to move forward after a traumatic event. As our community is regaining communication to the outside world, and spending more time back online, the APA recommends some helpful ways to cope as we process through our individual and communal experiences.
- Give yourself time to adjust: Allow time to mourn what has been lost and be patient with yourself as you adjust to changes in yourself and changes to your community.
- Communicate your experience and ask for support from those you trust: Expressing your feelings and telling your story can help you process through the experiences of the last few weeks. Finding social support among friends and family, or from trained professionals, can help you start to heal in a healthy way.
- Engage in healthy behaviors: Try and eat healthy and balanced meals, and get plenty of rest. If you are having difficulties with sleep, try to practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Avoid alcohol and drugs that numb our emotions and feelings and cause more harm in the long-run.
- Use Credible sources of Information: As you keep informed about new information and developments, be sure to use credible sources of information to avoid speculation and rumors. Limit exposure to television and social media, as too much exposure can cause increased feelings of anxiety and distress.
- Establish or reestablish routines: This can include eating meals at regular times, sleeping and waking on a regular cycle, and getting regular exercise. Build in positive moments through your day like taking a walk or reading a book.
According to Donna Gibbs, LCMHCS, BCPCC, local author and Co-Founder at Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC and co-lead of FaithConnect, resist the urge to numb your discomfort with unhealthy coping skills. She reminds us, “Resilience is not given, it is developed through the experience of walking through the hard, in the raw, and using healthy coping skills that grow a rhythm of resilience. As you continue to experience discomfort, remind your brain that you are growing your tolerance of distress and therefore also becoming more resilient… stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually.”
AdventHealth is Here is Help
“AdventHealth’s promise is to ‘Feel Whole’,” says Jocelyn Shaw, MDiv, BCC, Director of Mission and Ministry at AdventHealth Hendersonville. “We strive to care for the body, mind and spirit. The Human Spirit can be powerful, because it is powered by God… God promises in Ephesians 3:20 ‘There will always be trials and tribulations in life, but God will carry you through every storm in your life. And give you strength to make it.’”
At AdventHealth Hendersonville we are here to help you along the path to recovery and feeling whole again. If you notice persistent feelings of anxiety, stress or troubling thoughts and emotions, we have professionals ready to help you along this unexpected journey. Our compassionate and experienced mental health providers offer a range of treatment options that can help guide you back to feeling whole.
To learn more about behavioral health at AdventHealth Hendersonville, please visit AdventHealthWNC.com or call
Call855-774-LIFE (5433)
