Transcript:

Hurricane Helene was two years ago, but for many, the mental and emotional impact of the storm is ongoing.

First: “We knew when this storm hit that this would have devastating impacts, not only immediately but months and years following.”

Jennifer First is an assistant professor at the University of Missouri.

Several months after the storm, she surveyed about 700 people from counties that experienced some of the most severe rainfall.

Thirty-five percent had symptoms of moderate to severe PTSD, and more than a quarter had symptoms of moderate to severe depression.

Rates were higher for people who had experienced more severe flood impacts and who faced additional stressors in the storm’s aftermath.

First: “So were they still struggling with getting into housing? Were they still struggling with repairs to their housing? Were they struggling financially?”

And rates were lower for people with greater social resources – including support from family, friends, and community networks.

The results underscore the mental and emotional toll of living through a severe disaster, and suggest that helping people access financial and social support can ease at least some of that burden.

Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media