CBS News recently reported Mental Stress Mounting in Florida after Devastating Hurricane Michael. The story reminded me of reactions to previous disasters, and that there is a broader application of approaching people.
The story notes that some in Panama City have "a hard time explaining the stress of living" after Michael. They relate feelings about their surroundings and the lack of familiarity that can come with a Category 4 rearrangement of things. One is quoted as feeling the community no longer "feels like home," and that she does not "feel real" herself.
Health workers are quoted as "seeing signs of mental problems in residents." They note that "in any kind of disaster what we find is that people have been exposed to circumstances that are well beyond what they normally deal with day to day." There is shock, feelings of being overwhelmed, and heartbreak.
Feelings may be exacerbated by the realization that rebuilding and restoring "could take years," just as it has in other communities suffering similar events. Some experts opine that psychological reactions to such disasters may be "widespread" and "long-lasting." They note subjective reporting of "psychological effects" "five years after" Katrina, where "parents reported more than 37 percent of children had been clinically diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or a behavior disorder."
In part, some hypothesize, that "parents are overwhelmed and are less able to buffer their children from bad experiences." And, "children look to their parents for cues as to how to respond to completely new and frightening situations." Thus, it may be that to some degree it is possible that how professionals and processes continue to function after a disaster may influence how the public perceives their community and its progress back to normalcy.
The article assures that "most people will be back to where they were within a year or so." That is good news for the majority. However, one expert quoted warns that "others will have difficulty for a longer period." In short, the road home from a disaster like this is a personal road. Different people will react and recover differently.
Already, there are efforts in some areas. A recent high school football game was intended to "re-establish the familiar patterns of life, to 'create normalcy.'" Some quoted in the article claimed to be buoyed by that effort. There are reports of optimism and belief that the community will move forward by working together. "It's a really sad thing for this to happen, but it's brought everybody together," she said. "It's going to make this town a bigger and better place."
As regards mental health, the nature of disaster is perhaps distinct in that some come with a warning, like a hurricane, and others less, like a wildfire? But, the destruction and the stress likely also have similarities. It is difficult to think about the recovery in progress following Hurricane Michael without thoughts also for those in California's major recent fires.
Several articles about the mental health of survivors are worthy of reading. Yes focused on the uncertainty and unpredictability. It describes the process of delivering "psychological first aid," a practical approach to working with people's reactions to a problem. The predominant issues are feelings of being "overwhelmed and anxious," and there is a suggestion that perceptions of lacking information are a critical point. That may refer to uncertainty about the present, but also perhaps about the future, the recovery, the rebuilding of lives?
A 2017 blog post on California wildfires is a well-written overview of the psychological effects of both wildfire and hurricanes. It encourages consideration of our natural instincts and reactions and suggests that psychological needs may be different in the immediate aftermath than in the long-term recovery. To the sense of loss, there is potential for similar stresses from the fact that change occurs, new housing, new jobs, new schools, etc. This piece expresses opinions that fires present a "potential for loss (that) is so much greater." That expert, perhaps, has never visited or viewed somewhere like Homestead or Mexico Beach, Florida.
Mental health is often seen as a treatment issue. It is near certainty that a variety of people will require treatment post-disaster. However, there may be things individuals can do that are independent of professional treatment and yet helpful. Boulder County, Colorado recognizes the mental health challenges of disasters like wildfire, and offers tips for those seeking to recover. Two of the best, in my non-professional opinion, are "spend time with other people so that you stay connected," and "talk to a trusted friend or adviser about what you are feeling." The entire list is worthy of reading and consideration.
Maybe it is easier when the cause of anguish or uncertainty or doubt or fear is shared? Perhaps there is comfort on that road home when people see fellow travelers, like that community football game? But, the gist of the CBS News article is that people will react and recover differently.
And in that context, perhaps a personal setback like a work injury is not that different from a community setback like a hurricane? Maybe that is why so many see benefits in communication with injured workers? Perhaps this reinforces the benefit in sharing factual and realistic information with injured workers, about the injury, the probability of treatment success, and the prognosis for ultimately regaining function and health? Can better, readily available information alone reduce doubt and stress? Can communication and explanation alone help?
Maybe everyone's road home is capable of being personal and each a little different from the next? But, as possible, perhaps everyone's path can be aided by simple compassion, communication, and community? I am no mental health professional, but these discussions seem to suggest that such support is at least worth a try. If you know someone hurt at work, impacted by a hurricane, fire, flood, or other disaster, what does it cost (time) you to reach out and recognize their potential need? What does it cost to simply listen to them? How hard is it to simply let someone know you think about them and care enough to reach out?
Compared to your potential to support them, it seems the cost is inconsequential. Shame on us all for not doing it more.
