Healing from Trauma in the Wake of Disaster: Practical Tools for Coping After Hurricane Helene

By Jude Johnson, MA, LMFT – A Keen Mind In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I am deeply saddened for the many individuals and families grappling with trauma in the face of unimaginable devastation and continued uncertainty about the future. Roads have been washed away, homes destroyed, and over 200 lives lost across the Southeast, with more than half of the victims from North Carolina. Countless people are without basic resources like running water and electricity, with no clear timeline for when these vital services will return. This uncertainty can lead to feelings of overwhelm and panic, especially when our most basic needs are unmet. Trauma runs deep—not only on a physical level but also emotionally and psychologically. As I reflect on the devastation, I’m reminded of...