7 Tips for Finding Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Amid Hurricane Recovery
In the wake of the recent hurricanes to hit the southeast, the physical damage is often plain to see—destroyed homes, downed power lines, and scattered belongings. However, the emotional and mental toll can be just as significant, though less visible. Dealing with destruction, loss of power, and the uncertainty of recovery can weigh heavily on your mental health. It’s important to recognize that emotional wellbeing is a crucial part of the recovery process. Here’s how you can navigate the emotional challenges and begin healing.
1. Acknowledge Your Emotions Experiencing a hurricane is traumatic. Fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, and even guilt are normal reactions to a disaster. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or powerless at times. Acknowledging your feelings, rather than pushing them away, is an important step toward emotional recovery.
Tip: Give yourself permission to grieve losses, whether they are physical possessions or a sense of security. Talk to others about what you’re feeling or write in a journal to process your emotions. I often recommend a grieving journal for those working through loss. A grieving journal, unlike our regular/daily journals, grieving are meant to be burned ceremoniously once the need to write is over. And believe me, you’ll know when there is no more to be said. So very cathartic.
2. Stay Connected to Others Isolation can intensify feelings of despair and anxiety, especially if you're dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane alone. Reaching out to friends, family, or community members can provide both emotional support and practical assistance.
Tip: If you’re unable to physically meet with others due to power outages, concerns about gas availability, or road closures, consider texting or calling. And of course, connecting with those directly in your neighborhood would be optimal (they too may need some human connections).
3. Find Moments of Calm Amid the chaos, it’s important to carve out small moments of calm. Whether it’s taking deep breaths, practicing mindfulness, or simply stepping outside to breathe fresh air, these pauses can help you regain a sense of control and lower stress levels.
Tip: Practice grounding techniques if you feel overwhelmed. One effective grounding method is to stand up tall, place bare feet on the ground (grass or drive or sand or….), and spend time feeling the weight of your body on the ground. Envision roots coming from your feet and burrowing deeply into the earth as you secure yourself, while growing tall with the crown of your head connecting with the sky, the stars, the sun, the moon.
4. Limit Media Exposure While staying informed is important, constant exposure to news about the disaster can increase feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Limit your intake of distressing media to what is necessary for staying updated, and take LONG breaks from the news when possible.
Tip: For example, check updates once or twice a day, and then allow yourself time to focus on positive activities or moments of self-care.
5. Practice Self-Compassion In the midst of recovery, it’s easy to feel like you should be doing more or handling everything better. But this is a time to practice self-compassion. You’re going through an extremely difficult situation, and it’s okay to not have all the answers or solutions immediately.
Tip: Speak to yourself with kindness, as you would a friend. Remind yourself that it’s okay to take things one day at a time and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
6. Embrace Small Wins Recovery, whether physical or emotional, is a process that unfolds over time. Celebrating small victories, like organizing a drawer, cleaning up a room, or reconnecting with loved ones, can provide a much-needed sense of progress and accomplishment.
Tip: Set small, achievable goals each day and celebrate when you accomplish them. Even minor steps forward can help you regain a sense of control and foster hope during uncertain times.
7. Reconnect with Nature and Routine If possible, find ways to reconnect with the routines and places that ground you. Nature has a calming effect on the mind, and even small tasks like cooking or tidying can help restore a sense of normalcy.
Tip: Take a short walk outside or spend time in a quiet outdoor space, if it’s safe. Rebuilding routines—even in a small way—can help you regain a sense of stability and hope.
Conclusion: Rebuilding from the Inside Out
Recovering from a hurricane is about more than repairing buildings and replacing possessions. It’s also about rebuilding emotional strength and mental wellbeing. By acknowledging your feelings, seeking support, and practicing self-compassion, you can take steps toward healing, even in the midst of great loss. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and with time, patience, and care, you will find your way through the storm.
And always Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you find that your emotional burden is too much to bear alone, there’s no shame in seeking professional support. Many communities offer free or low-cost counseling services in the wake of disasters, and telehealth options may also be available. Recognizing when you need help is a sign of resilience, not weakness!!!
Tip: Look for local resources that offer counseling or emotional support. You might find help through local mental health organizations, the Red Cross, or disaster recovery programs that provide trauma-informed care.