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Well, Hurricane Debby is gone, and has left much of South Georgia east of I-75 under inches and inches of water. To everyone whose farm or business or family was impacted by the storm, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
If you’re experiencing this disaster (or any disaster, for that matter), please also know three things: 1) what you’re feeling right now is normal for the situation; 2) there are things you can do to regain a sense of control and recovery; and 3) there are resources to help.
What You’re Feeling Is Normal
After a disaster people typically have changes in their body, their thoughts, and their feelings—it’s a natural response to an unnatural situation. You may have trouble sleeping, have headaches or gut problems, have low energy, or startle easily and have a fast heartbeat. You may feel like you’re in shock, or feel anger, fear, irritability, moodiness. Some people feel hopeless, lose interest in things, or feel guilty. You may find it harder to concentrate and find you’re forgetful, or having a hard time making decisions, or even having nightmares.
The good news is there are things you can do steady yourself and move towards recovering over time.
6 Steps to Agriculture Recovery from Disaster (from the GA Dept. of Agriculture)
1. Get Connected: Build strong, positive relationships with loved ones and friends. Connect with community or faith–based groups;
2. Make Every Day Meaningful: Do something that gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose every day. Set goals to help you look toward the future with meaning;
3. Learn From Your Experience: Consider the skills and strategies that helped you through difficult times in the past. Have a positive yet realistic view of yourself and an accurate sense of your abilities;
4. Remain Hopeful: Look at the big picture and believe in your ability to overcome hardships. Understand the role your thoughts play in how you feel;
5. Take Care of Yourself: Practice a healthy lifestyle by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and practicing stress management techniques;
6. Be Proactive: Don’t ignore your problems, but decide what needs to be done and take action. Believe that any situation can improve if you work at it.
Know That Help Is Available
GA Dept. of AG Hurricane Debby Response information
GA Department of BHDD Disaster Mental Health information
USDA Protection and Recovery from Disasters
USDA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool
Find your county FSA Office in Georgia here
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline Toll Free: (800) 985-5990 (English and Spanish) https://www.samhsa.gov
Help finding a counselor anywhere in the country
For immediate distress or a crisis call or text 988. This Lifeline is available 24hours a day, 7 days a week.
Through all of this, please be gentle with yourself, take care, and know we in Extension are here to support you however we can as you move towards recovery.