Although I previously wrote about identifying what trauma is, it seems relevant to further this discussion in the wake of Hurricane Hermine. Although only making landfall in Florida as a category one hurricane (which we Floridians consider very mild), Hermine still caused significant damage to the Tampa Bay area and gulf coast of Florida in the form of flooding, downed trees and wires, tornadoes, and both water and wind damage to homes.
Natural disasters are one of the often overlooked, but psychologically (and physically, financially, socially) devastating types of trauma. While many survive an expansive storm with little to no threat to their physical self or property, we can all turn on the television and see the destructive aftermath of these storms. For those who have firsthand experienced a direct threat from a tropical storm or hurricane, you are aware of the fear that comes with believing you are about to lose everything, or perhaps even die. You are also familiar with the shock, anger, grief, and fear that is likely to follow from that type of experience. And then there is the reality of living in an area that is subject to the possibility of another storm. Living in Florida, it is almost guaranteed another storm will be around the corner.
Receiving news of the next impending storm, whether it is the same storm season or years later, is likely to trigger memories of the previous traumatic experience, as well as fear and anxiety, and concerns about safety. For those who have previously lost their home and their sense of safety from a storm, and even for those who haven’t, we all turn on the news to learn about the approaching storm and prepare ourselves, our families, and our homes. While the news is attempting to make us aware of the seriousness of the situation, they also succeed in amplifying the perceived threat of even those “mild” tropical storms and putting us all in a frenzy. If you are already struggling with increased fear based on previous experiences with a natural disaster, this is likely to worsen your thoughts and lead to nervousness, worry, negative thinking, and possibly symptoms of depression.
What makes natural disasters unique is that they are just that, natural. This means you have no control over when they happen, where they will go, and what they will destroy. However, there is a difference between recognizing and accepting the lack of human control with natural disasters and living your life in constant fear from June 1st to November 30th.
There are many ways to ease your nerves as you are watching the news and waiting for the approaching storm. Some possible strategies include:
- From a practical standpoint, be prepared.
- This means preparing yourself and your family by putting together a hurricane kit.
- Ensure the safety and physical integrity of your home as much as possible by following recommended storm preparedness guidelines (State of Florida Hurricane Preparedness Guide).
- Psychologically, if you notice you’re feeling worried or nervous, implement deep breathing practices. Deep breathing is an excellent strategy to quickly reduce nervousness as it can be done anywhere without any special equipment. (If this is something you are wanting to learn more about, contact Tampa Therapy for deep breathing training.)
- Identify what your specific thoughts (i.e., concerns) are and write them down.
- Go through each concern and consider whether it is a realistic worry or unlikely to actually happen.
- If the concerns are realistic, identify what aspects of the situation you have control over and what you can do to perhaps influence the outcome. (*Note-If your concern is about feeling unprepared, go back to the first strategy and make sure you have done what you can to prepare yourself and your family.
- If your concerns are unrealistic, or realistic but something you have little control over (such as the storm heading your way), acknowledge that and move on by redirecting your thoughts and energy elsewhere.
- If you have done all you can to prepare yourself, your family, and your home, and worry and fear are still at the forefront of your mind, do some things to distract yourself like watching television (and not the news!), read a book, exercise, cook, etc.
However, if the storm has recently or long-since passed and you are now left with increased worry and fear when reminded about what happened or about the possibility or probability of future storms, psychotherapy is highly recommended. Psychotherapy (not medication) is the gold-standard method at treating trauma reactions; it can help you move past what has happened before and be mentally and emotionally prepared to face the next storm.
Dr. Barbash of Tampa Therapy has advanced training in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. She will work with you to identify your specific concerns and problem areas, and collaboratively develop a treatment plan that best fits your needs