Better After The Storm: Coping With The Trauma Caused By Natural Disasters de (NAPSA)—The sense of shattered safety and loss after a natural disas- ter, such as a hurricane, can wage a long-term emotional toll on everyone involved, according to AmeriHealth Caritas, a nationalleaderin health care solutions. “After hurricanes, we typically see peopleassessing the physical aftermath of the storm, yet we rarely explore the emotionalaftereffects,’ said Dr. Michael Golinkoff. “People need to monitortheir Going through a hurricane can cause an emotionaltoll in many mentalwell-being during what can be a people. Your doctor can help. challenging and traumatic experience” Dr. Golinkoff, who has more than 30 years of experience in clinical and developmental psychology, said people, especially children and those most in need, can have greater difficulty read- justing after a hurricane because they have fewer resources—emotionally and financially—to help them bounce back. “Children are more impressionable whereas adults can put the sense ofloss in a differentperspective,” he said, adding that parents and guardians should regu- larly check in with teachers and caregiv- ers to seeif children whoselives have been affected by hurricanes have any changes in behavioror develop moodswings. “Trillium Health Resources, based in eastern North Carolina, has first- hand experience with the accuracy of Dr. Golinkoff’s advice? said Cindy Ehlers, vice president ofclinical operations for Trillium Health Resources, a leading specialty care manager forindividuals with substance misuse, mentalillness, and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Acknowledge YourFeelings Simple things, such as the stability of yourfamily and community, can no longer be taken as a given. Peo- ple have lost personal belongings that can't be replaced, such as photographs and family keepsakes, and, in some cases, people havelost loved ones and friends. “Everything changes—schools, neigh- borhoods, friends—which cannot be ignored.It’s a shared trauma because your family andothers in your community are likely experiencing the samethings? Dr. Golinkoff said.“Its best to talk about what you're feeling andsay that you're sad. We needto let people knowthatit’s okay to grieve loss.It's okay notto be okay.” Seek Support Peopleoften avoid the topic of mental health out of fear or shame. “It’s important that people not retreat into a shell orself-protection mode where they do not want to engage with other “Following Hurricane Matthew in 2016, people”Dr. Golinkoff said. “Recognize anysizable change within yourself and younger accessing mental health services. Self-care is essential at all times but we documented a 45 percent increase in the numberofchildren ages 13 and don't be afraid to talk about it” Keep Motivated “Hurricane Florence has caused even greater dislocation and destruction in our area than Matthew did two years ago andweexpectthe traumatic impact onchildren to be moresevere and widespread,’ addedEhlers. “Weare here 24/7 to help families in southeastern North Carolina address these challenges.” even more so whendealing with a trau- survivors to understand that they are not alone andto be opento discussing their fears and frustrations with others. The sense of community that comes from reaching out and connecting with others during traumatic times can be a resiliency by takingadversity and show- Dr. Golinkoff encourages hurricane tremendous help for thosein need. matic experience. Dr. Golinkoff sug- gests engaging in volunteer opportuni- ties to help neighbors orrebuild parts of your community. “Engaging the community in res- toration efforts is a great wayto create pride and self-efficacy? Golinkoff said. “This allows for individuals to show ingthebest parts of humannature.” Learn More For more information and advice, go to www.amerihealthcaritas.com and www.trilliumhealthresources.org orcall (877) 685-2415.
