Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods can trigger significant anxiety that persists long after the immediate danger has passed. However, mental health experts who have assisted disaster survivors emphasize that there are effective strategies to mitigate this stress, with preparation being paramount.
Ruben Juarez, a health economist at the University of Hawaii and director of the Maui Wildfires Exposure Study, which examined the health and social impacts of the deadly 2023 fires, stated: "Preparation is always one of the most powerful tools that I can imagine — not just for safety, but also for mental health." After a disaster, experts recommend restoring normalcy through support networks, re-establishing routines, and helping others.
Kevin Westmoreland, co-owner of The Corner Kitchen in Asheville, North Carolina, had previously learned meditation and breathing techniques to manage the stresses of the restaurant industry. When Hurricane Helene's remnants flooded his establishment two years ago, water and mud ravaged the interior. "All you could do to get through it is try to take a breath and move forward, step by step," he recalled.
Plan Ahead for Unpredictable Weather
One key to easing anxiety is advance preparation, including a clear disaster plan. Melissa Brymer, a psychologist and director of terrorism and disaster programs at the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, recommends creating an evacuation plan and assembling an emergency kit to foster a sense of control. She points to ready.gov/plan for family guides and notes that the American Red Cross offers extensive hurricane preparedness resources. Brymer advises considering special needs for individuals with disabilities, expectant mothers, and pets.
Accepting that weather is unpredictable can also help. Staying informed through trusted sources and heeding weather warnings provides a sense of control. Sharing fears with friends, family, or therapists is encouraged by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
How to Talk to Children About Storms
Parents should discuss storms matter-of-factly, explaining they are normal. While children may be afraid, many are curious to learn. Brymer advises acknowledging stress but limiting adult conversations to avoid alarming children. "Kids kind of register our panic, and then they’re going to panic if we’re starting to panic," she said.
Monitor Mental Health
The Maui study found that mental health impacts rippled through the entire community, even affecting those not directly in the burn area. Juarez notes it is crucial to recognize that disasters can affect mental health even if one's home is spared. Westmoreland coped by keeping perspective: "We try to look at it like it's just a business and equipment — as long as our employees are safe, those are the important things." His restaurant, built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, has since reopened after major repairs.
The Anxiety and Depression Association offers additional tips:
- Engage in positive activities like donating blood or volunteering to regain a sense of purpose.
- Seek support from others facing similar challenges.
- If symptoms persist for weeks, consider seeking help for possible post-traumatic stress disorder.
