Navigating Complex Feelings in the Wake of Hurricane Helene
As I write this, we are close to a full week since Hurricane Helene forever changed the Southeast, including my beloved Appalachia. It’s the place I would go for rest and reprieve, where I could finally release the breath I had been holding and find peace. Our area suffered severe damage, but I was fortunate to have only minor concerns. Despite that, this storm hit me hard. I was going through some heartache and watching the world around me change. I absorbed each unimaginable image and carried the stories of my strong and resilient students, who had been through so much. I found myself exhausted from the weight of what I was taking in—it overwhelmed me. On top of that, I felt ashamed for feeling exhausted and overwhelmed when, in reality, nothing major had happened to me. I felt ridiculous for even feeling this way. I had survivor’s guilt.
My wonderful therapist once told me, "Two things can be true at once." In my case, it was that I was trying my hardest, and yet, it still wasn’t enough. In the case of Helene, many of us were fortunate to avoid major repercussions from the physical storm, and it was still difficult for us emotionally. It can also be true that we are doing what we can to support others, and more support is still needed. When it comes to natural disasters, it’s important to take stock of what is within your control to help or contribute, and what is beyond your control. This recognition helps balance the sense of helplessness and the monumental task of rebuilding.
Now is a great time to take inventory of your self-care strategies. What can help you regulate your nervous system? Perhaps taking a moment to close your eyes and focus on deep breaths. For those able, it might include taking a walk or curling up with a good book. The point is to do what you can for yourself, when you can, as a way of supporting yourself. This inner support will help you show up as your best self to assist those around you, and to extend our care to the Southeast.