I think the recent tornado that caused mass destruction in our area this month is on everyone’s mind. Obviously, tornadoes are traumatic events to the people who lose everything, and also the people that see and hear about the destruction.
Less than a week after the tornado, there were more severe storms and possible tornadoes predicted. At my work place, which had employees impacted by the tornado, you could feel the difference in tension that employees were feeling with the second round of storms and possible tornadoes. This is a normal feeling because of the suddenness of tornadoes and the severity of the destruction.
Many organizations have reached out to provide both basic needs and psychological assistance to those impacted by the tornado. This has likely caused survivors to not feel as alone and desperate in their losses.
Many people who have suffered the type of loss that the survivors of the tornado have need to have basic immediate physical needs met first before they can focus upon the psychological needs. These things include food, shelter, and more. This is the stage of recovery that survivors are in now, and it has been heartwarming to see the number of people and organizations who have provided for these needs.
In the coming days, weeks, months, and even years, survivors will move into recovering psychologically. Initially, they may have trouble sleeping, feel on edge all the time, feel hopeless and helpless, and be fearful of many things while engaging in “what if” thinking. These feelings may lessen as time goes on and they are able to regain stability. However, many times these feelings lead to longer-term mental health concerns. Chronic anxiety, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and grief often develop. There can also be survivor’s guilt in which people feel guilty for living or their house not being destroyed because their neighbors or friends have lost their lives or homes. There can also be community-wide grief.
So, how can we help ourselves and others recover emotionally? Once the physical needs are met and there is some stability in living arrangements, return to a routine and help others, including your children, return to a routine.
Remember that therapy is often necessary. The psychological impact of the tornado can be influenced by people’s personal histories. Someone, who has suffered many losses, has had other significant traumas, and doesn’t have a good support system or coping skills, can have a different long term psychological outcome than someone with a different history. Make sure that therapy is trauma-informed and asks what happened to you instead of what’s wrong with you.
Realize that many emotions can happen ranging from grief to anger to fear. At times, survivors can have suicidal thoughts. Practice grounding techniques that allow you to focus upon what is happening in the present moment and not what happened in the past. Limit exposure to stories about the tornado. Get professional help. There are many organizations that are offering psychological assistance in this time including my employer, Cumberland River Behavioral Health. My employer has trauma-trained therapists as well as crisis intervention services. There is also a crisis line, 988, that can be called 24/7 for a listening ear and support. Don’t suffer alone when there are trained professionals to assist you and your children cope.
