BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 14: A teacher plays with children at the Kleiner Fratz child daycare center in Neukoelln on September 14, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. Child daycare centers across Germany are facing compounding problems, including rising costs for energy and food as well as a shortage of staff. At the Kleiner Fratz Neukoelln center instalment payments for energy have gone up 50% and food prices 9%, yet the amount of money the center receives from the city per child has gone unchanged. The center has the capacity to take on another 30 children but cannot do so because it lacks the required extra four teachers. Germany is facing a possible energy crisis as well as economic recession to consequences stemming from Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Hurricane Ian mental health help is available in Southwest Florida and officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of it. Nearly 50 million people in the United States are living with mental health issues according to Mental Health America. And that is on a regular basis. Throw in a traumatic event like Hurricane Ian, and even those not dealing with these issues are struggling.
Hugs are powerful. Some health experts say they lower stress among other benefits.
The number things causing distress are too numerous to mention. Everything from the sound of the wind, to the smell of rotting debris, to the visuals of the destruction. And we haven’t even touched on the personal loss experienced by so many people.
Some of the disaster relief centers in Southwest Florida offer some sort of mental health services. Other organizations are embarking on community outreach programs. They are going out into various neighborhoods and gathering places, offering services and lending an ear to anyone who just needs to talk.
Besides mental health assistance, there are a variety of issues to navigate in wake of Hurricane Ian. Everything from FEMA to electric to food and water. Here is a comprehensive list on where you can find the resources you need throughout your hurricane recovery. And finally, below is a list of organizations with people standing by to support your mental health through this stressful time.
Please, take time to take care of yourself.