MENASHA, WI — When a storm with heavy rain and gusty winds swept through Menasha on Wednesday morning, it stirred up more than just wet streets. For many who lived through the devastating July tornado, the sound of wind and rain triggered a wave of anxiety and flashbacks.
First‑hand accounts of lingering fear
Jessica Ketchum, a longtime Menasha resident, described how the storm woke her in the early hours. “I heard the neighbor’s garbage hit the side of my house and that’s what woke me up. Then I looked out the window at five a.m. and saw siding blowing into the tree of my neighbor’s house. All the tarps started coming off and doors were flying open. I kept thinking, ‘please no, not again.’”
Ketchum’s reaction is typical, according to Hannah Keesler, Clinical Services Director at Samaritan in Menasha. “After a serious weather event, any storm, any sound, wind, siren, or thunder can bring back the sensation of danger,” Keesler explained. “The brain perceives those cues as reminders of the tornado experience.”
Community support offers comfort
Seeking reassurance, Ketchum turned to Facebook, posting about her anxious feelings. The response was swift and supportive. “I posted because I thought someone else might be going through it too. When I saw the outpouring of support, I cried, and my sister called. We weathered the storm together,” she said.
Keesler emphasized that community connection can be the best medicine in such situations. “Sharing experiences with neighbors, talking through how you feel, and keeping the story alive helps create a sense of connectedness that aids recovery.”
Local resources for mental‑health care
Residents dealing with post‑traumatic stress are encouraged to reach out to local mental‑health providers. Samaritan offers counseling services, and the Menasha Police Department has partnered with community groups to provide information on coping strategies and emergency preparedness.
As Menasha continues to rebuild, the shared resilience of its citizens underscores the town’s strong spirit. Neighbors are reminded that seeking help and leaning on one another are vital steps toward healing after a traumatic weather event.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
