Mental health supports remain for survivors

In the first few weeks on the ground after Helene, Kaylee Murphy saw significant anxiety and grief.Murphy, the regional community development director at Frontier Health Foundation, helped run the organization's relief efforts after the storm. She said that disrupted medication distribution and housing loss was particularly stressful for many."All of a sudden, people were out of their routines," she said. "A lot of people were cut off from their usual supports."In the days and weeks after the hurricane, Frontier Health worked with Ballad Health, East Tennessee State University and the American Red Cross to send counselors out into the community. They provided "psychological first aid," shelter, food and medication to those left reeling.The support is still ongoing. A year later, local communities are still grappling with grief. Ongoing issues of property and financial loss only add to the anxiety and stress that many feel.Survivors still seek mental supportAs this particular anniversary approaches, it may dredge up traumatic memories and feelings of anticipation and fear, said Angie Tolley, manager for Ballad Health Behavioral Health's clinical programs in outpatient services."[The flood] created permanent changes in our lives forever, and so there's great grief that goes along with that," she said. "It's important that people know that it's not a weakness, it's not a fault, it's not a disorder. There's not anything lacking with you. It's a normal response."Counselors say there is still a need for mental support across Northeast Tennessee."I would say that many people still haven't processed a lot of what went on," Murphy said. "I think a lot of people have been so focused on rebuilding or helping where they can, that sometimes they haven't given themselves permission to grieve."As of mid-July, Frontier Health has referred 70 survivors for mental health services, outstripping its referrals to other services like crisis counseling and community services. Some of the most common reactions shown by survivors include:Extreme change in activity levelIsolation/withdrawalSadnessAnxietyFatigue, exhaustionDistressing dreams, nightmaresDifficulty concentratingBoth Tolley and Murphy stress that feelings of grief are normal. Murphy's advice for those impacted is to turn to community."Stay connected," she said. "Because isolation, that only makes the burden heavier."And for those seeking professional help, Frontier Health still offers free counseling for people affected by Helene. The ongoing program is funded by a Food City and United Way East Tennessee Highlands donation of $25,000. Anyone interested can contact any of the organization offices and mention that they were affected by the storm."We want people to not have to choose between taking care of something else and taking care of their mental health," Murphy said. "We want to make that a no-cost option for them to get support."Those interested in receiving counseling after Helene can contact Frontier Health by calling 423-467-3600, emailing fhinfo@frontierhealth.org or visiting any office (addresses can be found at https://www.frontierhealth.org/locations/).Communities turn "pain into purpose"Tolley said her community and many others have events planned for the one-year anniversary of Helene. The motivation behind the meetings, she said, is to honor the day and make positive memories."It's important that we learn how to turn pain into purpose," she said. "You don't have to dread the one-year anniversary date. … We're going to make meaning in our community in order to walk forward and not be stuck in the past."Employees from the Unicoi County Hospital, where flooding forced staff members and patients to evacuate from the rooftop, also have a support group. They used to meet more regularly, Tolley said, but now meet every other month. They're also preparing for the first anniversary date.Tammy Albright, vice president and chief executive officer of Ballad Health Behavioral Health, added that in crisis, local groups are the most critical for immediate support."FEMA is a great support, but really they have a big ask," she said. "They can't get to people right away, but your community gets to you right away. … It makes you proud to live where you live and to know that community means something."One of the biggest insights from the disaster, Murphy said, was the strength of the community in the face of crisis."I saw people pull together like never before to help each other out," she said. "I think a huge part of therapy and mental health support in general, it isn't about treating symptoms. It's about amplifying that resilience that's already there."