By Rebecca Marshall, American Red Cross Public Affairs

Peggy Thompson pulls up to an American Red Cross distribution site in Englewood, Florida. She needs to get tarps and other items to help her mom rebuild the home that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. 

Thompson looks weary, “It’s so awful. My mom worked all her life to afford a place where she can live and now, it’s destroyed.” “My mom is tough, but she just cries and cries.”

It’s been over a week since Hurricane Ian slammed into Fort Meyers, Florida. As the days go by, the lives of people displaced by the disaster remains up in the air. The reality is setting in that they may not have a place to return to for a long time. The Red Cross has Disaster Mental Health volunteers on staff to deal with things just like this.  

“Stress can manifest itself in many ways. Lack of motivation, helplessness, anxiousness, irritation, lack of appetite.” David Romero is a psychologist and disaster mental health volunteer with the Red Cross in Florida.

He has some advice for people feeling this way in the wake of disaster. “First, acknowledge your feelings. It’s okay to feel sad and uncertain. It’s okay to grieve your losses but don’t try to take it all in at once.”

Romano suggests that you set a plan, even if it’s just for one day.  See a friend, call the insurance company, drive by your home if you are ready to see the damage. Set small goals and build from there. These small goals can help lead to bigger goals because you have a sense that things are moving forward.

If you can’t sort your thoughts, get a pad and paper, and write them all down. That will help you sort through your emotions. 

Romano also says when you are ready, ask yourself, “Knowing what I know now, what will I do differently if this happens again?” The Red Cross can also provide suggestions on how to be prepared should you experience a disaster again.

“Whatever you do, know that this will take time to get through.  It won’t happen overnight.” That is the same message Peggy Thompson gives to her mother each day. “She wants to do everything right away and it just doesn’t work like that.”

Thompson says she will continue to help her mom but also promises to take care of herself along the way.

It's good advice for the thousands of people who’ve lost their homes to Hurricane Ian and for anyone who is struggling with big changes in their life on this “National World Mental Health Day.”