Recent storms and heavy rainfall are fuelling a rise in anxiety levels, but it’s important for people to know that this is a normal reaction, says a local mental-health professional.
Counsellor Terry Delaney says the new hurricane season has prompted a wide range of reactions as many people are still contending with post-Ivan issues. It’s OK to feel apprehensive as long as those feelings are short-lived.
‘Anxiety is a normal thing. If there’s a sudden clap of thunder or a downpour, we’re going to get a little shook up,’ he said. ‘But when it starts interfering with your life, that’s when you need to do something about it.’
While Tropical Storm Arlene may have brought back flashbacks of Ivan, Mr. Delaney said he hasn’t noticed any widespread panic.
‘The phone calls I got (after Arlene) ranged from tears to ‘not being able to handle another one like that’ to people who just couldn’t get any sleep,’ he said.
‘It’s been minimal, but there has been some powerful anxiety.’
Some of that unease has been useful, he noted. ‘People with anxiety in the normal range are highly energized to prepare appropriately.’
Mr. Delaney stressed the importance of people being realistic and honest about what’s actually happening.
‘Don’t exaggerate and don’t let your fear cause you to say things are bigger than they are. A storm is hugely different from a hurricane.’
That’s particularly vital when it comes to children, he said.
‘It’s really important that you let them know that this is a storm, not a hurricane. It may be reminiscent and it may make you get scared, but it’s not a hurricane. Be direct so children can be reassured and comfortable.’
The same applies to adults: ‘We don’t need to overreact. Leave it to the professionals. If Fred Sambula and the folks at the weather office say we have a hurricane watch, we respond to that. If it’s a tropical storm, we deal with a tropical storm.’
While people are definitely healing, Mr. Delaney cautions that the emotional effects of the storm are still reverberating – even though some don’t connect it with September’s events.
‘Some folks are saying that their sleep patterns have been disturbed, that they’re more irritable at their workplace or at home and that they’re more on edge. Those kinds of things are coming out and many people are confused about which way to turn.’
Dealing with ongoing repairs and insurance claims – or with leaks that may have sprung in recent heavy rainfalls – is magnifying those emotions.
‘It’s hard when there’s so much work left to be done on this island. A lot of the confusion and complications are still there.
‘The emotions of it are definitely complicating decision-making.’
He noted anxiety levels seem to be higher in people who live alone. A phone call or visit to check to see how they are faring can help alleviate concerns.
‘When there’s a warning or anything along those lines, be in touch and be reassuring and supportive.’
It’s something we all can do for each other as a preventive measure, Mr. Delaney said.
‘We need to work towards getting back to the sense we had shortly after the storm when everybody was helping everybody. We need to know we’re there for each other.’
Related Videos
