The effects of a hurricane don't end when the winds dissipate or the water recedes. Often, the emotional impact appears later, in the form of anxiety, insomnia, sadness, or constant fear. Taking care of your mental health after a natural disaster is as important as repairing your home or finding food.
In this article, we explain why it's crucial to seek psychological support after a hurricane and how you can access help, even if you don't have insurance or regular immigration status.
When is it time to seek psychological help after a natural disaster?
“There are victims of natural disasters who have psychological after-effects, such as nightmares, insomnia or anxiety,” Courtney Crawford, a psychologist and member of Prepárate NC, explained to Prepárate NC. The future, a Spanish-language mental health clinic based in Durham and Siler City.
As the specialist indicated, in many cases the symptoms disappear within a month. However, other people require more time to recover and suffer from what mental health professionals call "post-traumatic stress."
"It's important to seek medical advice if you're experiencing very dramatic changes and those symptoms persist over time," Crawford recommended. She clarified that it's not necessary to seek medical advice immediately, but it is important to do so if you feel in danger or have thoughts of self-harm.
"If some time has passed since the traumatic event and symptoms persist, for example if the person continues to be unable to sleep, it is advisable to seek medical attention."
The stigmatization of mental health
Despite advances in psychological care, Crawford explains that there is still a certain stigma surrounding mental health. This phenomenon is particularly evident among members of the Latino community.
“The percentage of Latinos in the United States who consult a mental health professional is very low. We still hear people who don't seek help because they say 'psychological care is for crazy people' or think they should solve their problems on their own,” Crawford said.
In this sense, according to the psychologist, mental health stigma is more prevalent among men than women. In any case, Crawford strongly recommends seeking help, especially if symptoms persist long after a traumatic event such as a hurricane or natural disaster.
The work of the El Futuro clinic
El Futuro is a community clinic providing psychological care in Spanish and English in the Triangle area of North Carolina.
All El Futuro staff are bilingual, so clients can receive guidance in Spanish from the first call.
While the main clinic is located in Durham, they also have the program TeleFuturo They provide mental health care services remotely via video. This program was created in partnership with rural clinics, allowing them to receive consultations from farmworkers.
To contact El Futuro, visit their website: elfuturo-nc.org or call (919) 688-7101.
Related: Clinics for free mental health care in North Carolina by 2025
Organizations that provide mental health assistance after a hurricane
La Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a natural disaster emergency helplineCrisis counseling and support are provided 24/7/365 to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or man-made disasters.
This free, multilingual, confidential crisis support service provides immediate help and support. call 800-985-5990 .
On the other hand, those people who wish to obtain free and confidential emotional support can also turn to Hope4NCThis is a crisis counseling program designed to assist people affected by the current public health situation.
Contact Hope4NC at 1-855-587-3463 24/7 for emotional support, counseling referrals, and community resources. You can also find them on your TrilliumHope4nc Facebook page .
Furthermore, the American red cross also has a Virtual Family Assistance Center that provides support to disaster victims. Indeed, it has a "Disaster Distress Helpline." This is a national hotline open 24/7 and provides immediate crisis guidance for people experiencing distress related to any disaster.
To contact the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 800-985-5990.
Remember: taking care of your mental health is just as important as addressing your physical needs after a hurricane. If emotional symptoms persist or you feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek professional support. Asking for help is a sign of strength and an important step toward regaining your well-being and peace of mind. You are not alone in this process.
Republish our stories for free on your website or newspaper. We follow the Creative Commons license. Click the box and follow the instructions.
