02/03/2026
Surviving the Storms: Navigating Mental Health After Storms
Winter Storm Fern and unusually cold weather hit Tennessee hard, leaving behind not just physical destruction, but emotional wounds that can be harder to see.
We at TEMA want to highlight how storms and extreme weather can impact mental health. The aftermath can exacerbate existing issues or create new emotional struggles, such as:
- PTSD: The trauma of evacuating, losing possessions, or simply surviving a weather disaster can lead to symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders: The lack of control, ongoing uncertainty, and chaotic disruptions during a storm and recovery can intensify feelings of anxiety or lead to panic attacks.
- Depression: The overwhelming sense of loss, the destruction of familiar surroundings, and the uncertainty of recovery can deepen feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness.
- Exacerbation of Pre-existing Conditions: Those living with conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or OCD may find their symptoms worsened by stress, disrupted routines, and lack of access to regular care or medications.
Signs to Watch For
It’s important to recognize when you or a loved one may be struggling. Some signs include:
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares.
- Feeling constantly “on edge” or easily startled.
- Avoiding places or reminders of the storm.
- Increased irritability, anger, or mood swings.
- Feeling hopeless or withdrawing from others.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems with no clear cause.
How You Can Help Yourself and Loved Ones
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as rebuilding your home and community. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Create a routine: Try to establish some sense of normalcy, even if it’s small.
- Talk about your experience: Whether with a friend, family member, or in a support group.
- Practice self-care: Prioritize sleep, healthy meals, and movement can lower stress.
- Limit media exposure: While staying informed is important, constant news updates can increase anxiety.
- Connect with others: Reach out to loved ones and check in on each other. Social connection is a powerful tool in managing mental health during tough times.
You don’t have to go through this alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, whether new or worsened by the storms reach out. Help is there, and together, we can rebuild stronger in every way.
The Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day/365 days a year as a resource for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. All calls are routed to a trained crisis counselor in your area, who will provide you support and guidance, and work to connect you with appropriate community supports. This service is free! Call 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471).
--A service of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
*In an emergency always call 9-1-1
