Family Tree Provides Tips For Anxiety and Stress Due to Hurricanes

Preparing for a hurricane, dealing with a hurricane, and the aftermath of a hurricane can all be extremely stressful. The Family Tree in Lafayette is providing some great tips to help if you are overwhelmed with Hurricane Laura as it is being compared to Hurricane Rita in 2005.

According to KATC, many in Acadiana may be dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as they remember the impacts of Hurricane Rita or other storms.

The Family Tree provides these tips to help if you are struggling with PTSD:

1.  Challenge your sense of helplessness. – One of the best ways to challenge your sense of power is BY helping others: volunteer your time, donate blood, reach out to a friend in need, or donate to your favorite charity. Taking positive action directly challenges the sense of helplessness that is a common symptom of PTSD.

2.  Reach out to others for support. – PTSD can make you feel disconnected from others. You may be tempted to withdraw from social activities and your loved ones. But, it’s important to stay connected to life and the people who care about you. You don’t have to talk about the trauma if you don’t want to, but the caring support and companionship of others are vital to your recovery. Reach out to someone you can connect with for an uninterrupted period of time, someone who will listen when you want to talk without judging, criticizing, or continually getting distracted. That person may be your significant other, a family member, a friend, or a professional therapist.

3.  Enhance a healthy lifestyle. – The symptoms of PTSD can be hard on your body so it’s important to take care of yourself and develop some healthy lifestyle habits. Take time to relax, avoid alcohol and drugs, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep.

4.  Consider seeking professional support. – The Family Tree is available for virtual and in-person counseling appointments. Your first online session is free.

If you feel like you are dealing with more stress and anxiety than usual due to Hurricane season, you can reach out to Family Tree by calling 337-981-2180.

The office will be closed on Wednesday, August 26, and Thursday, August 27, but plans to reopen on Friday, August 28 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.  They are located at 1602 W. Pinhook Rd. in Lafayette. For more information, visit AcadianaFamilyTree.org.