Mental Survival After a Hurricane

The Hurricane has passed. You now have to deal with the aftermath. When returning home or emerging from sheltering in place, you may observe flattened buildings, uprooted trees, flooding, and other extensive property damage. You may find your own home has been damaged, ruined valuables inside your home, and that your power and utilities are out. How does this make you feel? There is no right or wrong way to feel as you can experience a wide range of emotions during the aftermath of a hurricane. You may experience nightmares or have a desire to avoid reality. You may feel unprepared or overwhelmed upon finding the damage done to your home, car, or other possessions that require rebuilding or major repairs. Your home is meant to be a safe space from the outside world. If you are feeling powerless and insecure due to your home being destroyed, that is totally normal. You may have lost your job temporarily or permanently. Such a major disruption in your life can leave you feeling vulnerable and emotionally drained. It's normal to feel this way when you have been affected by a hurricane. No one wants to feel vulnerable and emotionally drained long term. Here, we have some tips on how to mitigate your mental distress associated with the hurricane aftermath: 

  • Get back to a standard schedule
  • Take care of yourself - Eat healthy, avoid drugs and alcohol, exercise, and get plenty of sleep
  • Limit social media and news consumption
  • Check in with friends and relatives
  • Contact your support group or join one
  • Care for pets - Pets are important for health and well being
  • Do breathing exercises - previously mentioned in "Mental Survival During a Hurricane"
  • Help others if you can - donate blood, prepare care packages, or participate in other volunteer activities
  • Re-establish your connection with nature - walk in the park and take children to the playground

Additional mental issues you may have to handle include:

  • Worry that another tropical storm or hurricane may occur soon
  • Trouble eating or sleeping in the aftermath of a hurricane
  • Headaches, stomachaches, and other physical symptoms of extreme distress
  • Anxiety due to loss of physical capabilities or injuries
  • Children and teens may become overly dependent on their parents or other adults

If these symptoms continue to linger on after a few weeks, work with your support group and/or seek professional psychiatric help. Remember, you are not alone. There are others willing to help you as you should be willing to help others.