By Carl Manning, American Red Cross

Recovering from the tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16th won’t be easy for those whose lives were upended. The anguish and anxiety caused by the storm can be as disabling as the event itself, leaving people with feelings of helplessness.

That’s when Red Cross volunteer Joanne Fehling steps in. A registered nurse with half a century’s experience, Joanne is part of the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health team, helping survivors deal with the trauma they experienced.

Joanne said anxiety is the top issue with many survivors, affecting their many daily functions such as sleep, along with their relationships with others.

“They can get in a tunnel of doom and gloom with a negative perspective of the world. Sometimes there is survivor’s guilt, why did they live and the person next to them didn’t,” she said.

Joann said there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution because each situation is as different as the person affected.

“My job is a collaboration, meeting with the person about where they are coming from, and what needs they have. We try to meet those needs in some way, shape, or form,” she said.

After a disaster, one of the first things the Red Cross does is set up shelters for those displaced. Often, those who come to the shelters have lost everything and are in a world of bewilderment and confusion.

“They have to take charge of their lives, and we have to help them get there and help them realize this is their new normal,” Joanne said.

When she visits a shelter, Joanne uses a low-key approach. After talking to the shelter staff and reviewing the intake forms, Joanne goes around visiting with the residents.

Joanne introduces herself simply as a Red Cross volunteer and asked if she can talk with them.

“I don’t say I’m from mental health because you say that, and some people will run away. It’s just the way it is,” she said.

At one recent shelter visit, Joanne spotted a young man sitting on his cot, looking at his cellphone and snacking. She introduced herself and sits down on the next cot and asks how he’s doing. He says he’s having trouble sleeping.

She suggests focusing on the immediate and explains what the Red Cross can do to help his recovery process. They talk about future plans, what his needs are and what the Red Cross can do to help him.

“We talk of the new normal and how to navigate to the area that is right for them because nothing is ever going to be the same and you don’t forget this life experience,” she said.

On the other side of the shelter, Joanne talked to Tiffany Chander, who was staying with friends when the tornado struck the house. They talk about how she feels, and Joanne offers suggestions to help Tiffany move forward.

Sometimes Joanne will talk to someone who, by all appearances, is unaffected by what happened. She says that’s a way of coping with what they’ve been through, but at some point it can catch up to them.

“If they act normal and fine, it’s a delayed reaction. For instance, if sirens go off, that can trigger their anxiety again,” she said. “It may not be now, but maybe in the future and it could have an impact on them.”

For Joanne, being part of the Disaster Mental Health team is where she can help those in need with her skills.

“I get more out of it than I give,” she said. “I try to help people focus on the strengths, not on what’s wrong.”

The Red Cross recognizes that a disaster is a difficult time and offers some suggestions for dealing with it.
 

• Disasters can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety since no one knows what could potentially happen next. Be patient with yourself and others. It’s common to have any number of temporary stress reactions such as anger, frustration, and anxiety.
• Stay informed but limit media exposure of the events. Spend more time with family and friends, watch for signs of stress, offer your support, and listen to one another. Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, drink water, and get enough rest.
• Children may also react, in part, to what they see from the adults around them. When parents respond calmly and confidently, they can provide better support. Parents should let children talk about their fears while reassuring them about their safety. Talk with them in ways that they can easily understand. Let them guide the conversation; share details only when they ask about them. Limit exposure to news coverage as children are especially vulnerable to stress reactions related to media.
• If you or a loved one needs help, reach out through the Disaster Distress Helpline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting TALKWITHUS to 66746.