Dealing with Hurricane Season Stress: Four Years After Hurricane Laura
My office after Laura. The floor was soaked and the ceiling collapsed in spots. The entire 2nd story was demolished.
As hurricane season begins again, people in Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) are feeling stressed. It's been four years since Hurricane Laura hit, and the memories are still fresh. Many of us feel anxious as we get ready for another season of storms. For me, this time of year brings a mix of professional challenges and personal reflections, as the trauma from 2020 lingers in both my life and the lives of those I support.
Remembering Hurricane Laura
In August 2020, Hurricane Laura caused a lot of damage in our area. It was one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit Louisiana, bringing winds of 150 miles per hour. Homes were destroyed, trees were knocked down, and many people had to rebuild their lives from scratch. The storm caused power outages that lasted for weeks, leaving people without electricity, water, or internet. Schools were closed, and businesses were damaged or destroyed. It took a long time for our community to start feeling normal again.
For me personally, Hurricane Laura was devastating. I lost my counseling office and was without a physical space for two years. This loss was compounded by a series of personal tragedies. Shortly after Laura and before Hurricane Delta, my grandmother, who raised me from a child, passed away. Her nursing home experienced a COVID-19 outbreak, possibly exacerbated by the hurricane damage, and she contracted the virus. This was an incredibly challenging time as I navigated personal grief while trying to maintain my practice and support others who were also struggling.
The memories of these times can make us feel scared and worried when we hear about new storms. It's normal to feel this way. The fear of going through a similar experience again can be overwhelming. For many, even the sound of heavy rain or strong winds can bring back memories of Hurricane Laura and cause a lot of anxiety.
Why Hurricane Season Is Stressful
Hurricane season can make us feel very anxious for several reasons. Here are some of the main causes of stress during this time:
Worry About the Unknown: We don't know if a storm will hit or how bad it might be. This uncertainty can make us feel very nervous. The unpredictable nature of hurricanes means that we can never be fully prepared for what might happen. The possibility of evacuation, property damage, or losing loved ones can weigh heavily on our minds.
Getting Ready: Preparing for a storm takes a lot of work. We have to buy supplies, make plans, and sometimes even leave our homes. This can be physically and emotionally exhausting. The process of preparing can also remind us of past storms and the challenges we faced.
Bad Memories: Thinking about past storms, like Hurricane Laura, can bring back bad memories and make us feel stressed all over again. The anniversary of a traumatic event can trigger a lot of emotions. It's not uncommon to feel anxious, sad, or even angry during this time. These feelings can be especially strong if we have not fully healed from the trauma of the past storm.
Financial Stress: The cost of preparing for a hurricane can be significant. Buying supplies, securing our homes, and potentially evacuating can all add up. For those who are already struggling financially, this added burden can be very stressful.
Impact on Daily Life: Hurricane season can disrupt our routines. Schools may close, work schedules can change, and social activities may be canceled. This disruption can be stressful, especially for children who rely on structure and routine.
For me, the aftermath of Hurricane Laura was a time of great uncertainty. My caseload was inconsistent, and I had to continue to support people who had lost it all while dealing with my own struggles. Virtual sessions became the norm, and during breaks, I would go out to cut up trees and clear debris from my property. At one point, I had to rent a large excavator to manage the massive cleanup. Amidst this chaos, we welcomed our youngest child, Henry, in November 2020. Life was uncertain and incredibly challenging.
How to Handle Hurricane Season Stress
Even though we can't stop the storms, we can find ways to manage our stress. Here are some tips that can help:
Stay Informed, But Not Too Much:
Check Reliable Sources: Make sure to get information from trusted sources. Checking the news too much can make you feel more anxious. Limit your exposure to news coverage and social media updates. Set specific times to check for updates, so you're not constantly worried about the weather.
Set Times to Check Updates: Decide on certain times to check for updates so you're not always worried about the weather. This can help you stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. For example, you might check the weather in the morning and evening, rather than constantly throughout the day.
Prepare Smartly:
Make a Plan: Have a clear plan for what to do if a storm comes. Knowing what to do can help you feel more in control. This plan should include a list of supplies you need, an evacuation route, and a way to communicate with family members. Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan and understands their role.
Gather Supplies: Make sure you have enough water, food, medicine, and important documents ready. Create an emergency kit that includes items like flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and personal hygiene products. Keep this kit in a place where you can easily access it.
Take Care of Your Mental Health:
Relax: Do activities that help you relax, like reading, drawing, or taking deep breaths. Find ways to distract yourself from the stress of hurricane season. This might include hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.
Stay Connected: Talk to friends and family. Sharing your feelings can help you feel better. It can be comforting to know that others are going through the same thing. Reach out to your support network and let them know how you're feeling.
Ask for Help: If you feel too stressed, talk to a counselor or therapist. They can give you tips to manage your anxiety. Professional help can be very beneficial in managing the emotional impact of hurricane season.
Support Each Other:
Be There for Each Other: Help your neighbors and friends. Working together can make everyone feel stronger. Offer to help with preparations, share resources, and check in on each other during and after the storm.
Share Resources: If you have extra supplies or information, share them with others who might need help. This can create a sense of community and mutual support. Helping others can also take your mind off your own worries and make you feel more connected.
For me, taking care of my mental health meant balancing my responsibilities as a counselor with the practical demands of recovery. I often found solace in the physical work of clearing debris, which provided a temporary escape from the emotional toll of the situation. Staying connected with my family and friends, especially during the uncertain times following the birth of Henry, was crucial for my well-being.
Moving Forward Together
We are stronger when we face challenges together. SWLA is a strong community, and we can support each other through this hurricane season. Remember, it's okay to feel scared or worried. Talking about your feelings and making a plan can help you feel better.
If you need more support, I am here to help. As a solo practitioner at Woods Counseling Services, I am dedicated to supporting my clients through these challenging times. Additionally, there are many wonderful local therapists in our community who can offer help and guidance. Together, we can get through this, one step at a time.
As we brace ourselves for this hurricane season, it's important to acknowledge the lasting impact of past storms like Hurricane Laura. The resilience we have shown in the face of such adversity is a testament to our strength as a community. However, it is equally important to recognize that the stress and anxiety we feel are valid. Each of us has our own story, our own struggles, and our own ways of coping. By supporting one another, we can navigate this challenging time with compassion and solidarity.
Need Support?
Woods Counseling Services is here to help. Contact me today to schedule a session. Your feelings matter, and I am here to support you. If you are looking for additional resources, many local therapists in our community are also available to help.
