Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods can lead to significant anxiety. Experts emphasize the importance of having a safety plan to mitigate stress. Ruben Juarez, a health economist at the University of Hawaii, highlights preparation as a crucial tool for both safety and mental health. Juarez directed the Maui Wildfires Exposure Study, which examined the health and social impacts of the 2023 fires.
Preparation and Community Support
Kevin Westmoreland, co-owner of The Corner Kitchen in Asheville, North Carolina, experienced the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused severe damage to his restaurant. He found meditation and breathing exercises helpful in managing stress. Westmoreland emphasizes the importance of taking things step by step during such crises.
Melissa Brymer, a psychologist at the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, advises families to create evacuation plans and emergency kits, which can provide a sense of control. She recommends resources like ready.gov/plan and the American Red Cross for guidance. Brymer also stresses the need to consider special preparations for individuals with disabilities, new mothers, and pets.
Communication and Mental Health
Staying informed through trusted sources can also help manage anxiety during extreme weather. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America suggests sharing concerns with friends, family, or therapists. Parents should communicate with children about storms in a factual manner, helping them understand that such events are normal.
Juarez’s study on the Maui wildfires found that mental health effects were widespread, affecting even those not directly impacted by the fires. This underscores the importance of community awareness and support in the aftermath of disasters.
Westmoreland reflects on the importance of perspective, focusing on the safety of employees over material losses. His restaurant, built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, has since reopened after renovations.
The Anxiety and Depression Association offers additional tips, such as engaging in positive activities like volunteering or donating blood, which can provide a sense of purpose. They also advise seeking help if symptoms persist, as this may indicate post-traumatic stress disorder.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
