Floridians are exhausted. In less than two weeks,, hurricanes Helene and Milton made their way through Florida, leaving widespread damage behind. We know that some have lost absolutely everything and have to start their lives over. Others have their homes but are missing parts of their roofs or are dealing with the aftermath of flooding. And too many homes and businesses are still without power.
And while the recovery and repairs of property are already underway, many are trying to figure out how to repair their mental health as well. The feelings of anxiety, stress and exhaustion that can come before, during and after a hurricane are very real and are referred to by many as “hurricane fatigue.” Even if you weren’t directly impacted by these storms, you may still be feeling stressed from watching the news or volunteering to help those who were. Hurricane fatigue is real and can take an extreme toll on your mental health. Rice Psychology Group understands that during times such as these, it is easy to put your own mental and physical health on the backburner, however it is imperative that you take the time to take stock of and care for your mental health, along with everything else.
Am I Experiencing Hurricane Fatigue?
There are a few ways you can tell if hurricane fatigue is impacting your well-being. It can come about in many negative ways and symptoms can be both physical and mental. These symptoms may include:
Physical
- Experiencing stomachaches and/or headaches
- Change in eating habits
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Being easily startled or jumpy
Mental
- Feeling anxious or fearful
- Overwhelmed by depression or sadness
- Numb and disconnected, unable to feel any emotions and not caring about anything
A few mental symptoms our team has seen firsthand include:
- Low tolerance and less patience
- Constant worrying
- Unmotivated – you just sit and stare at everything that has to be done
- Feeling stagnant
Our team of licensed psychologists at Rice Psychology Group want to remind you that these reactions are more common than you might think and it is important you take these feelings seriously. The strain of adapting over and over to dangerous (or potentially dangerous) situations that have negative consequences on your quality of life can feel overwhelming. However, there are things you can do to take care of yourself.
- Talk about it with others. Communicate with friends and/or family about what you have experienced and are feeling.
- Connect with your community. It can be very positive to reach out to those who have also experienced the same disaster or trauma as you and share your experience.
- Move your body. Even though it may be difficult if you are in an area that was severely impacted by the storms, finding a way to exercise, even if for a few minutes daily, can help more than you think.
- Focus on what you CAN control. With so much outside of our control, try to find something you can do that is within your control. If you are able to make a meal, go for a walk, clean up a small area in or around your house or do something nice for someone if might leave you feeling a bit better.
- Remember to breathe. If you feel yourself starting to feel overwhelmed, pause and take several deep breaths. This can help remove the stress from your body and create a feeling of calm.
- Do what has worked in the past. If you’ve experienced past traumatic events, remind yourself you made it through then and you will make it through now. Whatever has worked before, to help you, can work again.
- Pay attention to your physical health too. Whether you were impacted yourself, or you are helping others who were, make sure you are getting enough sleep, water and healthy meals. Avoid coping with alcohol or other harmful substances.
- Talk to us at Rice Psychology Group. Sometimes feelings associated with hurricane fatigue or other trauma can be too much to take on alone. Reach out to our team in Tampa for help.
We Will Get Through This Together
Hurricanes like Helene and Milton aren’t the first major weather related events Florida has experienced and they certainly won’t be the last. Staying on top of your mental health after events such as these and even in the distant future when life starts to feel “normal” again, is of the upmost importance. Our team of licensed psychologists and mental health counselors in Tampa understand how our community is feeling right now, and we are here to help kids and adults who need or want the support. Please feel free to reach out and schedule your free, 10-minute consultation and learn more about how we can aid you and your loved ones during this time. We can and will get through this together.
*Rice Psychology Group would also like to extend our thoughts and prayers to those not only impacted in Florida, but in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.
NEWSLETTER
Good Morning,
I want to check in with all of my fellow Floridians and see how everyone is holding up. It’s been a rough few weeks for all of us, and our friends in Georgia and the Carolina’s. And while we are beginning to focus on how to rebuild our homes, offices and communities, I want to make sure everyone is making time to focus on their mental health too. Major hurricanes like Helene and Milton can take their toll on our mental well-being, especially when these traumatic events are back-to-back, causing many of us to experience “hurricane fatigue.” Hurricane fatigue is very real and can take a very serious toll on all of us.
In this week’s blog, “Let’s Discuss Hurricane Fatigue,” I explain how to recognize symptoms and ways you can combat these feelings.
Let Us Help You
What many of us have gone through the past few weeks is nothing new and unfortunately is something we will have to deal with again in one way or another. Rice Psychology Group understands all too well the impact hurricane fatigue can take on your mental and physical health. Our licensed psychologists in Tampa want to help those that are struggling in our community, take the steps they need to cope and heal. Contact us to schedule your free, 10-minute consultation today.
If you are in Tampa and would like an alternative resource: