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'Basically, we're all experiencing sort of a collective trauma': Last week was hard. These mental health resources can help.

Austin American-Statesman - 2/24/2021

Last week’s snowstorm and the ongoing water crisis have taken a toll on the mind as well as the body. Between trekking in the snow to find unspoiled food, burrowing under mounds of blankets to stay warm and boiling pots of water, the uncertainty of the situation brought added stress, distress and possibly trauma for many folks across Texas. And let’s not forget the already existent stresses from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Basically, we're all experiencing sort of a collective trauma response,” said Carly Bassett, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of Moonstone Counseling. “We've all faced scarcity and fear, and a lot of people lost pets and people. Coming into this week, we're all pretty disoriented, and I think that can be hard for people, even people that didn't lose much or didn't have to go without power or water.”

Here’s a comprehensive guide to identifying mental health needs and coping strategies following the state’s natural disaster.

What do emotional and mental responses to disaster look like?

Responses to disasters come in all shapes and sizes, according to the American Red Cross. Some of the most common reactions tend to be feeling drained, becoming easily frustrated or irritable and changing eating and/or sleeping habits. Bassett said other symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, isolating oneself, sadness and depression.

While these symptoms may apply to people across age groups, the American Psychiatric Association cites young children have a few unique responses that may show up, such as becoming clingier or reverting to thumb-sucking or bedwetting.

Bassett said if you experience emotional or mental distress for longer than usual, you may need to ask for help.

“If you're feeling off after getting back into your normal routine, a few days or a weekend, it might be worth looking at how you're coping,” Bassett said.

Ways to cope with emotional and mental responses following a disaster

The first step in recovering from a disaster is addressing physical needs. Make sure you are in a safe place. Eat a healthy diet and drink lots of fluids. Let your body rest.

Reach out to friends and family, either to vent about what happened or to enjoy an activity together. Bassett said a lot of people just want to have their experiences validated. If folks don’t have someone they can talk with, they can journal to help process their experience or work with a therapist.

“I always encourage people when they're coming out of a crisis or a difficult time just asking them to think back to ways that they've gotten through other tough times and remember to rely on the things that that have helped you before,” Bassett said.

Hobbies, spending time outside and exercise are great ways to cope with trauma. It’s alright to keep reading the news concerning the disaster in question, but limit overconsumption of negative news and images. This means no doomscrolling for hours late at night.

When dealing with disaster responses, refrain from using alcohol and other drugs as a coping mechanism.

Where to seek additional help

There are both free and paid options when it comes to seeking additional help for emotional or mental responses to disaster.

The Disaster Distress Helpline offers free counseling 24/7. Folks can call or text the helpline at 1-800-985-5990. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which helps with suicidal crisis or emotional support, can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 or via online chat or via text message. Folks can also text TALK to 741741 to text with the Crisis Textline. All services are available 24/7 free of charge. For those hard of hearing or deaf, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline asks that callers use their preferred relay service or dial 711 before calling 1-800-273-8255. Spanish speakers should call 1-888-628-9454. Moonstone Counseling is offering up to three free sessions for those impacted by the storm. Slots are full at the moment, but people can sign up for the waitlist by sending an email to Grace@moonstonecounselingcenter.com, calling (512) 270-0272 or submitting a form online.

Bassett said to keep in mind that counselors and therapists are low in supply, so it may take a while to find a therapist with availability. She suggests asking providers for referrals if their books are full. If cost is a barrier, Bassett said to ask providers for sliding scale appointments.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 'Basically, we're all experiencing sort of a collective trauma': Last week was hard. These mental health resources can help.

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