Hurricane Helene and Its Impact on North Carolina Communities: Examining Trauma and Recovery

Abstract

Hurricane Helene, a powerful storm that threatened North Carolina, left a lasting imprint on the communities it affected. While the physical destruction was devastating, the emotional and psychological consequences were equally profound. This article explores the impact of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina’s residents, particularly focusing on trauma and its implications for recovery. Using a trauma-informed framework, the article addresses the mental health needs that arose post-disaster and provides insights into strategies for fostering resilience and healing within these communities.

Introduction

Hurricane Helene, a tropical storm that swept across the Atlantic, intensified as it neared the eastern United States, ultimately causing significant damage to North Carolina communities. While the region is no stranger to hurricanes, the intensity and widespread effects of Hurricane Helene tested the limits of disaster preparedness and community resilience. Beyond the physical destruction, the storm inflicted emotional trauma on residents, disrupting their sense of safety and stability.

Natural disasters such as hurricanes often lead to an increase in psychological stressors, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression (Norris et al., 2002). Understanding the impact of Hurricane Helene on the mental health of North Carolina residents provides critical insights into the broader relationship between natural disasters and trauma, as well as effective approaches for supporting recovery.

The Immediate Impact of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, property destruction, and displacement across North Carolina. Homes were submerged, businesses destroyed, and infrastructure severely damaged. Communities in coastal regions were particularly vulnerable, with emergency responders struggling to meet the needs of affected populations. According to reports from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the damage from Hurricane Helene amounted to millions of dollars in recovery costs, and thousands of residents were displaced for extended periods.

The immediate aftermath of the hurricane was characterized by chaos, with families separated, access to resources limited, and communication systems disrupted. This environment of uncertainty exacerbated feelings of fear, helplessness, and grief among residents, which are key indicators of trauma responses following disasters (Galea et al., 2005).

Trauma and Mental Health Consequences

Trauma resulting from natural disasters is multifaceted, often involving both direct experiences of danger and secondary stressors, such as financial instability and loss of community support (Weems & Overstreet, 2008). For many residents of North Carolina, Hurricane Helene served as a trigger for long-term psychological challenges.

Studies show that exposure to natural disasters increases the likelihood of PTSD, depression, and anxiety (Norris et al., 2002). Children, in particular, are at heightened risk for experiencing trauma, as their developmental stages make them more vulnerable to disruptions in routine and security (Masten & Narayan, 2012). For adults, the loss of homes, livelihoods, and social networks compounded stress levels, leading to a rise in substance use and interpersonal conflicts.

Community Resilience and Recovery Efforts

Despite the devastation, North Carolina communities demonstrated remarkable resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Grassroots organizations, nonprofit groups, and local governments played a crucial role in providing immediate relief and long-term recovery support. Faith-based organizations, such as local churches, offered spiritual guidance and emotional support, which proved vital in addressing the trauma experienced by many residents.

One notable initiative was the implementation of trauma-informed care models in community recovery programs. Trauma-informed approaches prioritize safety, empowerment, and collaboration, recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and the need for a holistic response (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2014). For example, mental health professionals provided crisis counseling, support groups, and educational resources to help residents process their experiences and rebuild a sense of normalcy.

The Role of the Trauma Resiliency Protocol

Programs such as the Trauma Resiliency Protocol (TRP) and related methodologies have proven effective in helping individuals recover from disaster-induced trauma. These protocols focus on identifying and neutralizing the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories, allowing individuals to regain control of their emotional responses (Hensel, 2018). The integration of such success-based practices into disaster recovery efforts in North Carolina highlights the importance of addressing both physical and psychological needs post-disaster.

First Responders, Veterans, Gold Star Families, and all immediate families are eligible for Healing the Hero a no cost way of addressing the trauma. Tactical Resiliency USA trained 11 members of the United Methodist Church in the Candler North Carolina communities to be a free resource for their church members along with anyone else in need of trauma work in their community.

Our First Visit

Abel and I responded to Candler, NC in the early aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We met with Glenda, a Pastor for the United Methodist Church to provide our assistance. While we were there we laid the groundwork for a training. We did the Trauma Resiliency Protocol-Peer Rescue with five of their pastors. Needless to say they were astonished at the simplicity of the protocol. How quickly we were able to heal the trauma, wether from the storm or prior trauma.

This connection came when a retired Green Beret Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann from 7th Special Forces made a human connection to his roots. Scott has been involved in outside the box thinking his entire career. Scott has an organization called Task Force Pineapple , he gained a lot of notoriety when he was moved to action in the aftermath of the collapse of Afghanistan when we tragically pulled out leaving behind, our allies, and friends to fall into the hands of the Taliban. Scott’s expression that lands well with people is “No one else is coming!” Navigating the human terrain in crisis is critical especially here at home.

As a result of this one connection with Glenda, we have now trained 11 for their local community. We have plans to return soon and train significantly more. One of the gentlemen in the class was a US Navy Diver during his enlistment. The impact of his healing alone made the trip worth it for Abel and myself. He lost two wives to breast cancer, each marriage lasted 20 years. To watch him transform before our eyes was a true blessing. This poor guy was drinking two to three bottles of wine a night to just sleep. Just to calm his nervous system. Now he’s sleeping without it. We get to do this!

Conclusion

Hurricane Helene underscored the complex interplay between natural disasters and trauma, revealing both the vulnerabilities and strengths of affected communities in North Carolina. While the physical recovery from such events is often prioritized, the emotional and psychological tolls demand equal attention. By embracing trauma-informed care and fostering resilience through evidence-based practices, communities can rebuild not only their infrastructure but also their collective well-being.

Future disaster preparedness efforts should prioritize mental health resources and trauma training for emergency responders to ensure a comprehensive response to similar events. Hurricane Helene serves as a powerful reminder of the need to address the human side of disaster recovery, emphasizing healing and resilience as integral components of rebuilding communities.

References

Galea, S., Nandi, A., & Vlahov, D. (2005). The epidemiology of post-traumatic stress disorder after disasters. Epidemiologic Reviews, 27(1), 78-91. https://doi.org/10.1093/epirev/mxi003

Hensel, D. (2018). Trauma resiliency protocols and disaster recovery: A new framework for mental health intervention. Journal of Trauma Care, 5(3), 120-135.

Masten, A. S., & Narayan, A. J. (2012). Child development in the context of disaster, war, and terrorism: Pathways of risk and resilience. Annual Review of Psychology, 63(1), 227-257. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-120710-100356

Norris, F. H., Friedman, M. J., & Watson, P. J. (2002). 60,000 disaster victims speak: Part II. Summary and implications of the disaster mental health research. Psychiatry, 65(3), 240-260. https://doi.org/10.1521/psyc.65.3.240.20169

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services. SAMHSA’s Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative.

Weems, C. F., & Overstreet, S. (2008). Child and adolescent mental health research in the context of Hurricane Katrina: An ecological needs-based perspective and future directions. American Psychologist, 63(8), 513-531. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.63.8.513