Grief hangs heavy in the air after Hurricane Helene. We’ve experienced an overwhelming and profound sense of loss. It’s a feeling so crippling, it is hard to put into words. Familiar faces are displaced or still missing, and our towns have been transformed into reminders of what once was. We ask ourselves; how can we possibly move on from this? In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we are left with a mix of emotions – grief, anger, confusion, and even guilt.
The sudden shift can feel so isolating, as though the rest of the world and state has moved on, and yet we are still here, trying to process what has happened. We are left to assess the damage, pick up the pieces, and navigate this emotional toll. During this time, we encourage you to care for your mental and emotional health the best that you can – because you can’t help take care of others if you do not take of yourself. Here are some tips to care for your emotional health:
Allow yourself to grieve
Feel all the feels. Just as you would after any loss, grieve for what you’ve lost. There is no right way to do it, and there’s certainly no timeline. Sometimes, reactions to traumatic events like this appear immediately after the chaos, surfacing in the form of anxiety or shock. Other times, they can linger, emerging days, weeks, or even months later, as the weight of the experience settles in.
Cry if you need to. Yell if you want to. All these feelings are a natural response to trauma, and you have permission to feel and express them. Grief is a complicated journey. One moment, you might find yourself smiling at a memory, and the next, you’re overcome by sadness. Acknowledge these feelings – they are simply a reflection of the love we hold for what we’ve lost.
Moving forward, together
Seek support from family, friends, or community groups who understand what you’ve gone through. Share your story, listen to theirs, and hug someone. Continue to reach out and support one another – through connection, compassion, and our beautiful community spirit, we will heal. Together, we can weather any storm that comes our way.
Establish a routine
In times of chaos, establishing a loose daily routine can provide a sense of normalcy. Start your day with a morning routine and small, manageable tasks that can set the tone for the day. For example, try waking up around the same time each day, even if you’re relying on natural light to greet you. Or try spending a moment each day in quiet reflection or gratitude. Consider writing down what you are grateful for, no matter how small. This practice can help shift your mindset and pull you out of a funk.
Seek professional help
Seeking help from a mental health professional can provide a safe space to process these feelings. Therapists are trained to help individuals navigate the emotional aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Helene. They can offer coping strategies, support, and a listening ear during a time when you may feel the need for connection the most.
For instance, if you’ve lost your job due to the storm, a therapist can help you work through the stress and uncertainty about your future. They can assist in reframing your perspective, helping you focus on the small steps you can take each day to move forward.
Find joy in the small things
As you navigate your grief, remember that it’s okay to find moments of joy amidst the loss and sadness. Maybe it’s the hot shower you took at your neighbor’s house because you are still without power, or the warmth of the sun on your face as you step outside, or perhaps it’s a text from a friend from long ago checking in on you – these moments can coexist with your feelings of loss. Allowing yourself to experience joy doesn’t diminish your grief.
Just as the physical rebuilding of our community will take time, so does emotional healing. Be kind to yourself, be gentle, and stay safe.
If you are experiencing feelings of loss and depression, know that you are not alone. There are trained professionals from the Disaster Distress Hotline who want to talk and who are ready to assist you at 800-985-5990. [source]