
In late September, our home state of North Carolina was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene. The news coverage was hard to miss, as unprecedented flooding affected 1.7 million residents—about 16% of the state’s population—and caused an estimated $53 billion in damages and recovery efforts. Unfortunately, 20% of those impacted lived in counties already classified as having high social vulnerability to disasters, intensifying the challenges they faced.
Many of our clients at Tailored Brain Health were either directly affected, had family in the area, or stepped up to assist with relief efforts by donating supplies. We heard first-hand accounts of the devastation from our own friends, family, and clients, capturing the immense physical and emotional toll on the NC community.
Although the initial media focus has shifted elsewhere and basic infrastructure is slowly being restored, millions of residents are only beginning the long road to physical and emotional recovery from what some are calling “a major geological event.”
What are the psychological impacts of such large-scale events? Many people immediately think of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a primary consequence of trauma caused by natural disasters. Experiencing the real threat of serious injury or death during flash floods, witnessing the sudden death of a loved one (with over 100 confirmed NC fatalities due to Helene), or seeing one's home destroyed are just some of the intense scenarios that can lead to trauma. It's essential to understand that the symptoms of traumatic stress in the weeks and months following such events are common, natural, and expected reactions. Fear, anxiety, sleep disturbances, intrusive thoughts and memories, a desire to isolate and withdraw, and difficulty concentrating are all signs that the brain is trying to process, and make sense of, the recent danger and emotional shock it has just experienced.
Research suggests that between 20-40% of people who live through natural disasters experience enough of these reactions to meet criteria for a clinical PTSD diagnosis in the first few months. However, the good news is that PTSD rates often decline significantly over the next 1-2 years as natural resilience takes over. This shows that recovery, rather than chronic suffering, is the norm. Still, a notable portion of survivors will develop long-term PTSD, while others will face lasting increases in depression and generalized anxiety. Rates of depression and anxiety often remain elevated in the years following a natural disaster, compared to PTSD rates.
Social support and community connections are some of the strongest protective factors against developing chronic mental health issues in the aftermath of a disaster. While it might seem intuitive to deploy mental health professionals immediately to provide therapy, research highlights the importance of first fostering overall social cohesion in the community. Efforts that focus on bringing people together—whether it's sharing meals, collaborating on cleanup efforts, or providing safe spaces for open conversations and unwinding—are key to emotional recovery. Support groups that nurture these connections and continuity of relationships can make a significant difference in the mental health outcomes of disaster survivors.
One of the most powerful drivers of resilience after a traumatic event is hope. While it might seem intangible, hope is a vital force that propels individuals forward, helping them to find meaning in adversity and gradually rebuild. Posttraumatic growth, a concept in psychology that refers to positive personal changes following trauma, is fueled by hope. People often discover newfound strengths, develop deeper connections with others, and re-evaluate their priorities in life. You can see how hope is also nurtured by our social connections, and vice versa, which again is why connecting with our neighborhoods and communities after trauma is so vital. By focusing on hope and purpose, pain becomes a catalyst for growth.
Along these lines, experts have identified five essential elements that pave the way for recovery in disaster-stricken communities: promoting a sense of safety, fostering calm, enhancing a sense of self- and community efficacy, encouraging connectedness, and nurturing hope (see Hobfall et al., 2021). By focusing on these areas, communities can better support their members in helping to reduce the long-term psychological toll of disasters.
As the recovery process shifts from the short- to the long-term, however, the need for professional mental health support becomes increasingly crucial. While social connections and community resilience provide a strong foundation, many people will benefit from evidence-based treatments to fully heal from the psychological impact of their experiences. Access to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which have been proven to effectively reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, can make a significant difference in long-term mental health outcomes. It's important for individuals to seek out these evidence-based interventions to ensure they receive the most effective care. As our region rebuilds, ensuring access to effective mental health services will be vital in promoting resilience and well-being. If you or someone you know would like more information on connecting with effective therapy for anxiety, depression, or trauma, contact us and we will assist! We have also provided links below to directories that allow you to find clinicians providing evidence-based therapy.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, it’s clear that our region faces a long journey of recovery. But with the strength of social support, an emphasis on community connection, and access to effective specialized care there is a positive path forward.
Evidence-Based Therapist Directories:
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