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Dealing with Hurricane Stress

By Jennifer Ferrell-Hanington, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

(Published in MetroWest Magazine, October 2004)

What is its Name? What are its Coordinates?  Is it Coming Here?

...... How am I Going to Get Through Another Hurricane?

Central Florida has been fortunate for several decades in that we have been safe from dangerous hurricanes.  However, every season we are warned to prepare and our weather forecasters will track the yearly hurricanes, which have usually skirted by us.  Yet, like the typical reaction to the child who cried “wolf”, we have grown somewhat immune to considering the possibility that Central Florida would suffer the devastating effects of such a natural disaster. 

Unfortunately, this year has been like no other.  Florida has been a hurricane magnet, and after the recent hurricanes to hit our area, we are finding ourselves vigilant and often frightened about the safety of our families, friends, and homes.    

Typical Reactions to a Traumatic Event, such as a Natural Disaster

When we are impacted by a devastating event such as a hurricane, we may experience changes behaviorally, physically, emotionally, and cognitively.  It is important to remember that everyone will react in their own unique way, but there are common reactions to expect.  For example, there may be a sense of feeling numb and emotionless, while others may feel anxious and nervous.   Due to fear and anxiety, individuals may be more cautious than usual and take extra precautions, possibly even more than are necessary.  A calm and patient individual may be alarmed to find themselves less tolerant or quick to “lash out”. 

Concentration may suffer and forgetfulness can increase.  Appetite and sleep may be affected, which may include weight loss and nightmares.  Excessive stress can impair our immune systems and increase the likelihood of illness.   Stress also may trigger other physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle pain, stomach aches, or indigestion.  Some individuals may feel the need to be close to loved ones for comfort, while others may have the desire to withdrawal and isolate themselves. 

Since we have already experienced two major hurricanes in our area, many individuals and families have suffered damage to their homes and property or have experienced extended periods of power outages.  It is common for victims to ask the questions, “Why me?” as they attempt to make sense of the events or find meaning in them.  When we are impacted by natural disasters, we are faced with a sense of loss of control, which can be frightening and trigger additional feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.  However, consider that for those who have survived the hurricanes with little or no negative consequences, there may be feelings of guilt that they were fortunate while others have suffered. 

How to Cope

The first step is to evaluate your reactions and assess your personal needs as you cope or adjust to the consequences of these hurricanes.  Even if you did not experience physical damages from the storms, remember that you still may be experiencing any of these expected symptoms.  Fear of potential damages and destruction can be just as traumatic. 

It is important to tend to your basic needs such as adequate sleep and proper nutrition.    Utilizing alcohol or drugs to “unwind” or manage your reactions can be harmful, especially since alcohol and many drugs can increase feelings of depression or even nervousness. 

If there is ever a time for moderation, this is it.  Adjusting to damages, meeting with insurance agents and organizing repairs, it is easy to become overwhelmed with these numerous responsibilities.  Various aspects of repairs may require timely response, but with resources in high demand, many of us are being forced to be patient and wait or do without.  Therefore, it is still important to make time for oneself whether it is spending time with family or friends, maintaining one’s exercise schedule, or engaging in regular pleasurable activities. 

While emotional “downtime” can be healthy, isolation or denial of one’s emotional response is not.  Continue to express your thoughts and feelings with family and friends who are available for support. Talking can help with the healing process.  If it is more convenient or if few individuals of support are available, try writing down your thoughts and feelings as a means of allowing venting and sorting through the experience.  If you are worried that your reaction may be worse than others, or you are finding it difficult to recover on your own, you may benefit from seeking professional assistance to help you through the process. 

There is no way to judge how long it will take to recover emotionally from such natural disasters, especially since hurricane season has not yet ended.  Whether we are overwhelmed with the anticipation of more storms or frustrated and exhausted with the numerous repairs, remember that we are going to experience normal reactions to such traumatic events.  It is important that while we are taking care of our loved ones and our homes, remember to take care of one’s own self.