Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Hurricanes, tropical storms, and the severe weather associated with both- namely flooding
and tornadoes -can lead to emotional distress in those that experience them. Survivors living in the impacted areas (including children and teens), loved ones of victims, and first responders, rescue & recovery workers are all at risk.

Feelings such as overwhelming anxiety, constant worrying, trouble sleeping and other depression-like symptoms are common responses to disasters and traumatic events (before, during and after the event), although reactions can vary from person-to-person. Most people that experience disasters are able to 'bounce back' in a short period of time, but others may need additional support in order to cope and move forward on the path of recovery.

The Disaster Distress Helpline provides year-round, 24/7 phone- and text-based crisis counseling to anyone who is experiencing emotional distress related to natural or man-made disasters within the U.S. and territories. Those impacted by Hurricanes and Tropical Storms who might be experiencing distress and having difficulty coping can reach out to us any time for support.

Risk Factors for Distress and Warning Signs

Forecasts

Because forecasts for tropical storms and hurricanes can last for days as they take shape, as well as the overall unpredictable nature of the forecasts (the projected path of the storms can shift frequently in the early days of formation), those living in hurricane-prone areas as well as anyone who has struggled to recover from experiences with past storms may be vulnerable to distress before the event occurs. 

Warnings, Evacuations, and Returning to Impacted Areas

Once warnings and evacuation orders are issued, the risk for distress becomes greater:

• Feeling unprepared, isolated, overwhelmed or confused: "I don't
  know where to go"; "I'm afraid to leave my home because I don't know what will
  happen if I leave"; "I'm scared that the shelter won't accept pets"; "I'm
  afraid I don't have enough medication"
• Not being able to reach a loved one living in an impacted area
  during the event because cell and land lines are tied up, their power is out
  and so no access to internet, etc.
• Triggers of difficult memories and emotions associated with
  similar traumatic experiences in the past for those in/around or anywhere
  outside of the impacted areas, particularly for those who may have had a
  difficult recovery from the past experience  
• Stress associated with temporary relocation: unfamiliar
  environment (particularly difficult for teens and children to adjust);
  accessibility for people with disabilities; separation from pets; difficulty
  sleeping, etc.   
• Those with limited physical mobility or economic means (no car or
  access to mass transit), English-as-Second Language (ESL), or those who may have
  pre-existing mental health concerns are all also particularly vulnerable to
  isolation. 

After evacuation orders are lifted, additional distress may occur upon return to the impacted area if a home, business, school, place of worship or a beloved community landmark such as a neighborhood park or wildlife refuge are damaged or destroyed.

After a Hurricane: Adjusting to a 'New Normal'

When loss of or major damage to any kind of property occurs, distress may arise from having to adjust to a 'new normal', such as:

• Attending a new or temporary school: peers may be separated, there may be
  new teachers and other caregivers that are unfamiliar to younger kids,
  after-school activities may be disrupted
• Temporary or permanent loss of employment
• Overall disruption in home and community life: place of worship
  damaged or destroyed, neighbors displaced, feelings of overwhelm related to
  disaster recovery activities, etc.

First Responders, Rescue & Recovery Workers

First responders, rescue and recovery workers include:

• Fire fighters, police officers, EMTs, 9-1-1 operators and other
  fire / emergency / medical personnel
• Military service men and women
• Clergy
• Staff and volunteers serving with disaster-relief organizations, in a range of roles from sheltering to animal rescue, food service to crisis counseling. 

Risk factors for emotional distress among first responders, rescue & recovery worker distress includes:

• Prolonged separation from loved ones (depending on the severity
  of the storm or hurricane, deployment may last for weeks or even months)
• Mental fatigue brought on from working long hours
• Working under difficult or challenging conditions that may also
  be unstable during or immediately after disasters; risk to physical safety and
  other threats to life during rescue and recovery operations
• Disruption in home or work life brought on by deployment
• Vicarious trauma brought on by witnessing or being exposed in some way to
  difficult stories of survival or loss
• Difficulty readjusting to home or work life post-deployment.

Signs of emotional distress related to
tropical storms and hurricanes may include:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and things
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains like constant stomachaches or headaches
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Excessive smoking, drinking or using drugs (including prescription medication)
• Feeling unusually confused or forgetful
• Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why
• Feeling like you have to keep busy
• Hyper-vigilant- constantly thinking that something is going to happen, including when forecasts for any storm are issued whether or not they have the chance to develop into tropical storms or hurricanes
• Constant yelling or fighting with family and friends; irritable
• Having thoughts and memories related to the storm that you can't seem to get out of your head; nightmares
• 'Triggers' such as sounds or images that 'take you back' to the storm; sweating or heart racing when you experience these triggers
• Unable to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or other dependents, trouble       showing up to work or school on time or at all (excessive absences), trouble concentrating and getting things done, etc.
• Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else.

Where can I get help?

If you  or someone you know shows any of these warning signs, whether you know they are in relation to a tropical storm or hurricane or if you aren't sure how they  started ... Talk with us. You are not alone! Call our toll-free number 1-800-985-5990  or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (Spanish-speakers can text Hablanos to 66746) for support and counseling. Calls and texts are answered by trained, caring counselors from crisis call centers located throughout the U.S. 

Additional Resources

Information and Referrals Within TS/Hurricane-Impacted Areas

The national '2-1-1' network of call centers offers up-to-the-minute, local, disaster-specific information and resources. Visit http://www.211.org to locate a specific center serving a drought-impacted area, or simply dial '2-1-1'.

Local Crisis Counseling Services Within TS/Hurricane-Impacted Areas

Although the Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7/365 crisis counseling and support for all 50 states and territories, if you are looking to connect with a local crisis center, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org to look up the nearest call center serving the TS/hurricane-impacted area or call 1-800-273-TALK [8255].

Tip Sheets and Additional Information on Hurricane-related Distress

Tropical Storm and Hurricane Preparedness

Creating safety and emergency plans for your home and business can give you a sense of control when severe weather is forecasted, and help you and your loved ones to feel calmer when disasters and other emergencies strike. 

For information on how to prepare for a tropical storm, hurricane, or any disaster visit: