Living in Pinellas, we must remain ready for hurricane season. From June 1st to November 30th, we watch the tropics, prepare our homes and stay tuned to local forecasts. While we often focus on physical preparations – securing property, stocking supplies, and planning evacuation routes – it’s equally important to prepare our mental health for the emotional intensity that peak hurricane season can bring.

The threat of a storm, the process of preparing, enduring the event, and then recovering afterward, can all take a significant toll on our emotional wellbeing. Even if a direct hit is avoided, the constant vigilance and uncertainty can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. Understanding the signs of disaster-related trauma, equipping ourselves with coping mechanisms and knowing where to find help are crucial steps in navigating September as the peak month of hurricane season.

Recognizing the Signs of Disaster-Related Trauma

Disaster-related trauma, often a form of acute stress disorder or even PTSD, can manifest in various ways, and how it appears can differ significantly across age groups. It’s not just about what happens during a storm, but the anticipation and the aftermath, too.

Adults may experience:

• Intrusive Thoughts: Repeated, unwanted memories of a storm or its threat, flashbacks or nightmares.
• Avoidance: Actively trying to avoid thoughts, feelings, conversations, places or people associated with a disaster.
• Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Persistent negative emotional states (fear, horror, anger, guilt), an inability to experience positive emotions, exaggerated negative beliefs about oneself or the world, or a decreased interest in previously enjoyable activities.
• Hyperarousal and Reactivity: Irritability, angry outbursts, reckless behavior, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response or difficulty concentrating and sleeping.
• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, digestive issues, fatigue or increased blood pressure.
• Substance Use: Increased alcohol use or drug use as a coping mechanism.

Children and teens may exhibit these signs differently:

• Younger Children (Preschool/Elementary): May become increasingly dependent, revert to earlier behaviors (bedwetting, thumb-sucking), have difficulty sleeping or nightmares, become more emotional, or express fears through play. They might struggle to verbalize their feelings.
• Older Children and Pre-Teens: May show changes in appetite, school performance decline, withdrawal from friends and enjoyable activities, increased irritability, difficulty concentrating or new fears about safety. They might also complain of physical symptoms without a clear medical cause.
• Teens: Can resemble adult symptoms but might also express feelings of hopelessness or cynicism, engage in risk-taking behaviors, have conflicts with family or friends, or show a marked change in personality and interests. They may try to hide their distress.

These are all normal reactions to abnormal situations. Recognizing these signs in yourself or a loved one is the first step toward getting help.

Effective Coping Mechanisms During Peak Hurricane Season

While we can’t control the weather, we can improve our control in how we react. Implementing healthy coping mechanisms can significantly reduce stress and anxiety during hurricane season:

1. Stay Informed, Not Obsessed: Follow reliable news sources (including Pinellas County’s Facebook page) for updates, but avoid constant news consumption which can fuel anxiety. Designate specific times to check updates.
2. Focus on What You Can Control: Channel energy into practical preparations. Having an emergency kit and a communication plan to stay in touch with family or friends, can provide a sense of control and reduce feelings of helplessness.
3. Maintain Routine (Where Possible): Sticking to regular sleep schedules, mealtimes and daily activities can provide a sense of normalcy and stability amid uncertainty.
4. Stay Connected: Talk to friends, family or trusted community members. Sharing your feelings and concerns can alleviate stress. Social support is a powerful buffer against trauma.
5. Model Calm for Children: Children often take cues from adults. Managing your own anxiety can help them feel more secure. Talk to them openly and honestly, but in an age-appropriate way.

Getting Help Through Care About Me

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the emotional weight of hurricane season can become too much to bear. If you or a loved one are struggling with persistent anxiety, sadness, irritability or any of the signs of trauma mentioned above, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Pinellas County residents have a vital resource available: Care About Me.

Care About Me is a FREE, confidential access line that connects Pinellas County residents with mental health, substance use, or addiction treatment services. It’s designed to provide compassionate, professional and personalized access to care, helping you schedule an appointment with someone who understands what you’re going through.

Call or Text “CARE” to 1-888-431-1998 or send us a referral online. 

Remember: Care About Me is not a crisis line. In case of an emergency, please call 911. If you are having suicidal thoughts or need immediate emotional support, please contact 988.

Hurricane season in Pinellas is an unavoidable reality, but the anxiety and stress that can accompany it don’t have to be. By understanding the potential impact of storm season on our mental health, using proactive coping mechanisms and connecting with resources like Care About Me, we can all weather the storm within.