Hurricane Helene has caused life changing damage for all of Appalachia.

Even if you weren’t impacted by the hurricane directly, there is no doubt that it has impacted your mental health in some way. Research shows that natural disasters can cause acute stress disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and it can also exacerbate alcohol and substance use disorder.

(Contributed/ETSU)

There are resources to help you if your mental health is struggling post Hurricane Helene. First, the ETSU Counseling Center and Bucs Press 2 are incredible on-campus resources for ETSU students. The Counseling Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Culp Center, and is open 8 a.m – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are available in person and over Zoom. Bucs Press 2 is the Counseling Center’s 24/7/365 crisis hotline. You can talk to a counselor by calling (423) 439-4841, and pressing 2. More information on both services can be found at etsu.edu/students/counseling. 

On a state and national level, the Disaster Distress Hotline (DDH) is the first 24/7 hotline dedicated to supporting those going through mental health struggles as a result of natural disasters. You can utilize the DDH by calling (800) 985-5590 or by texting “TalkWithUs” to 66746.

(Contributed/Disaster Distress Helpline)

When faced with a time of crisis, it’s important to realize when you’re struggling. Instead of retreating and isolating yourself from friends and loved ones, try and get out and do something. There are dozens of volunteer and donation opportunities, both monetary and physical. If you have the ability to help, it’s a smart idea to. ETSU has a list of ways to help on their website. You can access this list by visiting etsu.edu/response and clicking on the “Ways to Help” tab. If you have the ability to help, do it.

Community is the most valuable resource in a disaster situation. Without community, the U.S. would fall apart.

An important thing to note: if you’re going out to help in an affected area, make sure you have the appropriate supplies and training. DO NOT self deploy. Go with an officially recognized group, like the American Red Cross. The Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TNVOAD) has a list of community organizations you can sign up to volunteer with and make sure you’re volunteering safely, in order to protect yourself and the disaster victims you’re helping.

Take care of yourself and others. Check in with your friends and family. Breathe. Helene may have caused catastrophic destruction of the Appalachia we call home, but with the power of community, we can come back from it. It just takes one day at a time.

Author