After ‘deeply retraumatizing’ floods in Vermont, state officials call for mental health awareness

In the wake of catastrophic rains and floods , Vermonters have been quick to prioritize physical health and safety : Repairing infrastructure, keeping homes safe, assessing water quality and more have been the hallmarks of the past 48 hours.

But state officials are urging Vermonters to see mental health as just as deserving of care and recovery — especially as locals carry the weight of last July’s floods while they begin digging out from this one.

“The experience of living through another flood on the anniversary of last year’s disaster can be deeply retraumatizing,” Department of Mental Health Commissioner Emily Hawes said during a press conference in Berlin on Thursday. “It is natural for feelings of anxiety, fear and helplessness to resurface.”

One of the best ways to cope with the stress of the floods is to maintain a healthy routine, Hawes said. She recommended that Vermonters rest, exercise and stay hydrated, even when recovery efforts seem to swallow every hour of the day. If you can add in a few deep breaths, that’s even better, Hawes added.

It is also crucial to acknowledge your feelings, Hawes said, rather than blocking them out.

“It’s OK to feel upset, anxious or overwhelmed — or all of those at the same time,” she said. “Recognizing and accepting your emotions is the first step toward healing.”

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Family, friends and neighbors can be helpful resources of support, Hawes said. Professional mental health help can be accessed for free via numerous hotlines, she said, including the national suicide and crisis hotline at 988, and the disaster distress hotline at 800-985-5990.

Local organizations, such as Vermont 211 , can also connect residents to mental health help and a variety of other recovery resources. In-person emergency care is accessible through Mobile Crisis of Vermont , which dispatches teams of two — one clinical counselor and one peer support — to help Vermonters assess their mental health needs and make plans for the next steps of care.

Because this is not Vermont’s first flooding event, Hawes said Vermonters should be aware that “the sights, sounds and even the anticipation of flooding can trigger memories and emotions tied to past trauma.” That means that, while it’s crucial to stay informed, it’s best to limit “constant exposure” to news and social media, she said.

Stress can come not only from experiencing your own challenges with the floods, but also from witnessing the losses of your neighbors and your community, Health Commissioner Mark Levine said during a press conference in Berlin on Friday.

“These weather events continue to challenge our collective resilience,” he said, which means it’s important to both give and receive help in the coming days.

Hawes agreed, saying it is “imperative for us to come together as a community to support one another.” That means checking in with neighbors, friends and family regularly, she said, and practicing small acts of kindness when you can.

Levine said it’s helpful to form these habits now, especially as flooding events become more common in Vermont.

“Unfortunately, we do know that climate change will continue to make severe weather a threat to our world, so it’s important to understand how it harms our health and what we can do in the short and long term to help protect against these impacts,” he said.

Read the story on VTDigger here: After ‘deeply retraumatizing’ floods in Vermont, state officials call for mental health awareness .