Over the past few months, natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires and floods have caused destruction worldwide. The Carolinas, often in the path of hurricanes during storm season, suffered unheard of devastation and destruction over the past decade.
Natural disasters, even for people not living directly in affected regions, can impact mental health, increasing anxiety and depression and the potential for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an event.
Emotional Impact of Natural Disasters
Coping with the aftermath of a natural disaster can be overwhelming. Monarch therapists explain that it’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions after experiencing such events, but it’s important to address those feelings.
“Just watching TV coverage of hurricanes, fires or floods can trigger anxiety, depression or PTSD, especially for people who’ve been through a natural disaster before,” one Monarch therapist said.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), symptoms of distress after a disaster may include:
- Anxiety and constant worrying
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression-like symptoms
These reactions can occur before, during or even long after a disaster.
Finding Mental Health Support
Monarch offers mental health services to help people cope during and after these events. Therapists use techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to make the recovery process easier.
“We teach people skills to reduce their anxiety and manage feelings tied to the traumatic event,” one Monarch therapist explained. “For more severe cases we can refer individuals for psychiatry services and medications to provide short-term or long-term relief.”
“When facing uncertainty during a natural disaster, it’s helpful to stay informed and prepared,” said a Monarch therapist. “But constantly checking the news can increase anxiety and lead to panic. Managing stress allows us to think clearly and make better decisions.”
Using Mindfulness to Reduce Stress After a Disaster
Mindfulness techniques can also help in the aftermath of a disaster. Taking time to pause and acknowledge your feelings can lead to better responses instead of impulsive reactions.
“It’s natural to focus on loss but recovery can also be a time to reflect on what truly matters,” a Monarch therapist shared. “Shifting your energy from devastation to gratitude for family and friends can be healing. Feeling connected to others can provide comfort and a sense of belonging.”
Helping others is another way to heal. If supporting others isn’t possible, mindfulness encourages self-compassion and the reminder that tough times won’t last forever.
How to Find Mental Health Help
If you feel overwhelmed, professional help is available. Monarch offers a range of services to address the mental health crisis following natural disasters. Contact Monarch at (866) 272-7826 to connect with a therapist who can help.