How to Manage Post-Helene Trauma and Emotional Toll

October 7, 2024

Boston, Mass.–Hurricane Helene left catastrophic damage and loss, including the loss of lives, in its wake. As response and recovery efforts are underway, it’s important also to consider the emotional toll the storm has taken on you and your loved ones. 

Dr. Donna Housman, a psychologist and the Founder of Housman Institute, is offering tips for adults and children on how to manage the grief, shock, and tremendous stress levels that follow a natural disaster of this magnitude. 

“My deepest condolences go to those who have suffered tremendous loss and devastation due to Hurricane Helene,” said Dr. Donna Housman, Founder of Housman Institute. “People are not only processing the trauma of the experience, but also facing grief, severe stress and shock. These feelings aren’t limited to adults - children, including babies, are also feeling the devastation of the hurricane.”

Housman Institute is providing the below tips to take care of your mental health during this difficult time:

  • Before you can help children, you must first help yourself cope with your own stress and emotions. Before we can help children regulate their emotions, we need to lay these same foundations for ourselves. Children learn by observation, imitation, and how we model, guide, and respond to them and to others.
  • If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the media coverage or social media about the hurricane, stop the doomscrolling and limit your exposure to media reports. 
  • Take a moment for yourself to stop and breathe or meditate.
  • Use a calm demeanor with children and others, such as calming words and tone of voice, and provide reassurance and understanding.
  • As much as you can, reestablish routines. Routines give children a feeling of safety and security.
  • Focus on positive next steps that will occur. 
  • Share your own feelings as a way of normalizing the sharing of emotions. Doing so gives permission for children to do the same and validates their feelings.
  • Listen with empathic understanding, encouraging children to open up without worry of being judged or criticized.

About Housman Institute

Founded by Dr. Donna Housman, Ed.D, the Housman Institute is an early childhood teacher training, research, and advocacy organization that seeks to provide the building blocks of emotional intelligence for lifelong learning and success.

###

Subscribe by Email