Hot Topic Tuesday - Impact of Natural Disasters on Mental Health

Stories & Updates
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According to an article that came from the University of Alberta, “Nearly one-third of disaster-affected people may experience a negative mental health consequence such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and others. Source: Impact of Natural Disasters on Mental Health: Evidence and Implications - PMC

In regards to the mental and emotional state of Helene survivors, what have you noticed this year?

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At our mental health gathering on June 30, these observations were shared:

  • People are sharing how the small things mean so much more to them post-Helene.

  • Everyone in the room can be in a different place when it comes to the post-disaster emotional cycle.

  • People have been in survival mode, they may not be ready to begin processing the mental and emotional trauma until after they are back in their homes.

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A lot of families that come and see us tell us that they feel defeated and mentally overwhelmed due to sitting on waiting list, waiting for a rebuilds and issues with lack of space in campers, and unable for find rentals. A lot of families will tell you that they are just depressed because they lost everything they had in homes that were handed down from generations. When you hear the stories it carries home with us as well. We wish we could do more.

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It is so hard. Stay tuned in the next few weeks as we’ll be sharing different mental health resources. It’ll be good to have several to refer people to, and for yourselves too!

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What have you found to be the most helpful? Any particular resource, practice, approach to these tough conversations?

Thanks for all you do and for being such a bright light in the region