The stories out of Texas have been shocking- a winter storm knocked out power to millions of people, leaving them in the dark and cold with limited access to clean water, for an extended time. 

For many Northeast Floridians, this can bring up challenging memories.

While snow is very rarely the problem in Florida, the idea of a massive storm bringing a state to a standstill and leaving may without power is an all too familiar concept. If you were among those who did not receive extensive damage from Hurricanes Matthew, Irma, and Dorian- which have all affected the First Coast in the last five years- then this is a time to be thankful. But if you were among those who struggled to find last-minute batteries and water, lost power, dealt with flooded streets, or had trees fall on your car or home, the damage in Texas can trigger memories of those difficult times.

You can weather this storm.

The American Psychiatric Association says extreme weather events have been linked to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The CDC says these problems may surface not only during and in the immediate aftermath of a storm, but potentially weeks, months, or even years down the road. 

YES, it’s possible seeing the storms in Texas brings up anxiety from difficulties you faced after Matthew. YES, it’s understandable even if your main weather trauma was with Hurricane Floyd in 1999, or even Hurricane Dora back in 1964.

This stress could show in many different ways and could be mild or severe. Some common responses include feelings of fear, anger, or numbness; change in appetite or energy; difficulty concentrating; trouble sleeping; and physical reactions like headaches, stomach problems, and skin rashes.

If you are experiencing these symptoms or other stress responses, try to take time to care for yourself.

  • Do a grounding exercise: these are intended to help you focus on the here and now and distract from some of what you may be feeling. There are many different grounding exercises, from focusing on breathing patterns to developing an anchoring phrase.
  • Practice healthy eating and exercise habits: physical wellness is an important step in facing mental health challenges.
  • Avoid overloading on the news: when you are already experiencing a trauma response from a storm, watching storm coverage can contribute to those feelings being prolonged or even heightening. Make sure to take breaks where you disconnect from what is triggering your feelings. If you have trouble stepping away because you want the information, consider asking a friend or family member to check in on the latest updates and send you a quick recap once or twice a day, so that you still get information but are not glued to your screen.
  • Prepare a storm kit: when your stress is triggered by major weather events, preparing a storm kit could give you a measure of control. Flashlights, canned goods, and similar items are all relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain.
  • Connect with a professional: Talking through your fears, anxieties, and stresses can be an incredibly valuable way to support your mental health and wellness. Jax Therapy Network allows you to search by specialty to find licensed mental health professionals in the Jacksonville area.

Those struggling in Texas right now have a long road ahead- from dealing with the physical and infrastructure damage, to facing the long-term mental health effects. And, unfortunately, they and all of us will likely face additional intense weather events in the future, which can serve as reminders of what we have been through.

But the important thing to remember is that we have been through it. We have made it out.

We CAN weather these storms.

Ready to find your therapist? Search the Jax Therapy Network and find the right therapist for you.