Blog 4: The Storm

Today's blog is dedicated to the life and memory of  Dakota McGee. 

When we think about a storm in our lives — everyone has a different image that comes to mind.

For some the storm is embodied with a personal struggle; depression, we know that it’s far from just the physical scars on landscapes that leave us impacted. In fact, physical scars are often the first things to heal compared to the plethora of inner damage that’s left. The invisible, inaccessible damage.

To any storm chaser who has seen more than they wanted, to families who have lost their homes in a disaster, to meteorologists who live with guilt that they could have done more, or to the child who stays in bed fearful of thunder — we see you, and we hear you.

Today’s blog isn’t intended to approach any one specific topic or reference scientific literature. Today’s blog is a reminder that storms— no matter how destructive, powerful, or ominous they might be— always do pass. Today’s blog serves to remind those who struggle that they are not alone.

While this blog does and will continue to break down the importance of scientific findings within social science in the weather enterprise, today it felt important to share something more personal with our readers.

To break the rules and speak personally in this blog, as the owner of Two Storms, you can imagine how personally attached I feel towards the causes of mental health and disaster relief. Through my time in the weather community, and throughout my own experiences — I’ve realized just how many people in this space struggle with a multitude of different storms.

Let’s talk about a few, and why they’re important: not just as a way for individuals to feel heard, but as a way to help friends and family understand what their loved one might be struggling with.

One of the most complex and daunting issues of disaster relief is the Post Traumatic Stress symptoms that arise for victims, storm chasers, and meteorologists. Issues of Post Traumatic Stress are immensely intricate for a multitude of reasons: the amount of time that symptoms take to show (sometimes years), the different symptoms themselves, and how differently certain age groups experience and cope with those symptoms. Post Traumatic Stress from natural disasters might manifest as anxiety or depression, it might cause an individual to become antisocial, lash out, become angry, or self-isolate. There is no one categorization for what exact symptoms will be experienced, nor is there one treatment plan that fits all. What DOES exist— however— is help, and resources. No matter how intense the symptoms, there are others who have not only shared a similar experience, but might be able to offer a listening ear, or advice. To recognize the problem is the first step in moving forwards in seeking appropriate help. If you or someone you love might be experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress — below we will list resources for seeking help and would implore you to consider.

Dealing with loss is arguably the most difficult reality for natural disasters. Most notably, feelings of loss are associated with the loss of life— whether that’s a loved one, friend, or even a neighbor. As human beings, seeing or being around loss of life

Even still, feelings of loss aren’t limited to loss of life. Loss from natural disaster can include the loss of a family home, loss of an important possession, loss of control, loss of normalcy, or loss of a certain future you once imagined for yourself. All of which are traumatic in their own ways. Individuals may find themselves grappling with a sense of helplessness, fearing for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. Addressing these emotions in real-time is essential for preventing long-term mental health issues. After disaster, the first thing on our minds is often to cleanup and take care of what needs to be done, which frequently means the “lesser important” mental issues are pushed to the backburner, only to be brought up months or years later. Recognizing those feelings of guilt or frustration are the first steps to understanding what you’re going through, and seeking the appropriate help.

Although it’s not at the forefront of what people typically consider when looking at mental difficulties within the weather enterprise — storm anxiety is a prevalent issue that is frequently overlooked. It’s not just the fear of the actual thunderstorm, tornado, or hurricane — it’s a fear of uncertainty. For some, that is a direct result of past experiences with severe weather that causes a fear of future storms. For others, the lack of knowledge of severe weather makes the idea of storms that much more daunting. Whatever the experience, the fear is valid. The good news is— there are so many ways to work towards a better relationship with the unknown. Though we will have much more in-depth information in other blogs, we have listed below some information on how to cope with feelings of storm anxiety from the NWS down below.

If you experience any of the issues mentioned here today, you’re not alone. There is a community and a space for you to be heard. There are others who feel and have felt the same as you, and most importantly— there is help.

While physical rebuilding is a tangible aspect of post-disaster recovery, fostering mental resilience is equally crucial. Communities that prioritize mental health support mechanisms—such as counseling services, support groups, and educational initiatives—create a foundation for emotional recovery. This communal approach helps individuals feel less isolated in their struggles and reinforces the idea that mental well-being is a shared responsibility.

No matter what your storm is or looks like, it’s our mission at Two Storms to help others prepare for it and deal with its aftermath. Establishing mental health preparedness plans can include mindfulness practices, communication strategies for families, and awareness campaigns to destigmatize seeking professional help. By integrating mental health into disaster preparedness efforts, we empower individuals to navigate the emotional challenges that may arise.

In the aftermath of severe weather, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated. By acknowledging the invisible storm within individuals, communities can foster resilience, promote healing, and build a foundation for long-term well-being.

As we rebuild physical structures, let us not forget to nurture the emotional landscapes that have weathered the storm. Only by prioritizing mental health can we ensure that individuals and communities not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

there is help, there are people who care.

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Recognition and Help Post-Disaster: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/coping-after-disaster-trauma
   
   
2. Natural Disasters and Psychological Trauma – From Rural Health Channel: https://unitedbrainassociation.org/2019/12/31/ptsd-the-reality-of-post-disaster-trauma/
   
   
3. Psychologist Locator: 
   
   
4. Direct and Indirect Losses from Natural Disaster: https://www.preventionweb.net/understanding-disaster-risk/key-concepts/direct-indirect-losses
   
   
5. Storm Anxiety Tips from NWS Meteorologists: https://www.weather.gov/oun/stormanxiety