Disaster Recovery Community Group: Hurricane Helene
Thursdays at 7:30 pm ET beginning October 17
From VHF Director, Krista Martin, LISW-CP, LCSW, C-AAIP:
Happy fall! Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the leaves changing, the crunch of them under my feet as I walk, and the perfect weather that envelops those of us here near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fall is usually a time for quiet contemplation before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. That hasn’t been the case this year for those of us in the Western Carolinas. And so this year instead of focusing on my normal fall activities, I’ve been spending my time sharing tips on the emotional impact of disasters and disaster recovery.
Disaster recovery is always a highly stressful experience and it can present as trauma. It looks and feels very different from person to person. Some strategies to help cope:
- Self-Compassion: Be kind and patient with yourself. Understand that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions during this time, and there’s no “right” way to feel. It is ok to feel how you feel at any given moment.
- Set Boundaries: Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs with friends and family. Let them know if you need space or if you’re comfortable discussing your situation. Be mindful of the additional stress and potential secondary trauma of participating in too much social media related to the disaster.
- Community Care: Consider which opportunities are most meaningful to you and participate in them. You have the choice to opt-out of things that feel overwhelming. You may also find that some experiences feel supportive and healing.
- Seek Support: Reach out to a therapist or support group to help you navigate your emotions. Sometimes, talking to a professional can provide invaluable support and guidance. Should you find yourself with thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, please reach out to 988 for immediate assistance.
If you’re in the impacted area, I hope you’ll join us for the free drop in support group. Recovery will take time—we’re here for as long as you need us. If you’re experiencing another type of disaster, we do create groups upon request. Feel free to have a representative of your state VMA reach out and we’ll begin that process. If you’re watching from afar, thank you for all of the help you’re sending.
Krista Martin, LISW-CP, LCSW, C-AAIP
Director, Veterinary Hope Foundation
