Augusta Residents Embrace Thanksgiving Spirit Amidst Recovery from Hurricane Helene

Auugsta Residents Keep Rebuilding Post-Hurricane Helene

The lovely city of Augusta is gearing up for a heartwarming Thanksgiving this year, but for many local residents, there’s a cloud hovering as they grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As folks rightfully prepare for the holiday season, they also find themselves with a lot on their plates—both literally and figuratively.

The Trauma of Natural Disasters

As the winds recede and life begins to resemble normal once again, Dr. Tracy Casanova, a local expert in trauma and mental health, emphasizes the emotional toll such events take on our community. “I see more of it through a trauma lens,” Dr. Casanova explains, referring to the psychological impact of experiencing a natural disaster. She works at the Medical College of Georgia’s Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior and specializes in supporting student wellness.

According to Dr. Casanova, the experience of each Hurricane Helene victim was uniquely different, leading to variable trauma levels. Some folks are worried about access to food and power, while others experienced acute moments of sheer panic, fearing for their lives. “Many of those stressors – like power outages and food access – have largely been resolved,” she adds, but the symptoms of anxiety and stress can linger long after the immediate threats have faded.

The Weight of Chronic Stress

As we know, stress isn’t just a one-time thing; it can morph into something chronic. Dr. Casanova points out that some residents may be battling underlying issues from work or even fretting about the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Yes, there’s even a term for that: election stress disorder! “It’s normal to feel more anxious or down,” she reassures, as many are feeling it—especially following such a significant upheaval in their lives.

It’s common for people grappling with stress to experience feelings like irritability or fatigue, but sometimes they might not realize these feelings stem from recent events. “They know they feel off, but they have difficulty making that connection to what is actually causing that,” says Dr. Casanova.

When Stress Becomes Clinical

So, at what point should someone seek professional help? Dr. Casanova notes that it’s perfectly normal to feel down for a bit, especially in the aftermath of something as severe as a hurricane. However, when those feelings stick around longer than they should or reach an intensity that hampers daily functioning, it might be time to reach out for help.

Taking Care of Yourself

Simple Yet Effective Tips

Now, as we navigate through these trying times, what can folks in Augusta do to lessen their stress? Dr. Casanova offers several helpful tips:

• Take care of yourself. This could involve eating right, indulging in some exercise, or simply getting back into a routine. Remember, even the professionals like Dr. Casanova struggle with self-care after Helene, as she admitted to cutting back on her swimming exercises.
• Show up for others. The power of community cannot be underestimated. After the storm, Augusta residents came together to lend a hand with chainsaws and food donations. Helping others has the power to boost your mood, too!
• Practice radical acceptance. This is the idea of accepting things you simply can’t control. It’s not about ignoring the situation; it’s allowing yourself to feel your emotions while still keeping perspective.
• Focus on what you can control. While you might be unable to remove a massive oak tree from your yard, you can certainly pick up branches and manage daily chores!

Conclusion

As Thanksgiving approaches in Augusta, it’s crucial to recognize the emotional struggle that many residents continue to face. Engaging in self-care, uplifting others, and accepting one’s limitations can help gradual healing both individually and as a community.