Hi. I’m new here so bear with me. I just went thru Hurricane Helene. Not 24 hours later I had a bad fall, landing on my face. Lots of injuries. My question or reason for being here is to find out more about the aftermath of trauma (natural disaster & injury) and if I’m just anxious or have a little PTSD going on. Very tenuous about walking around, fear falling again, still healing from broken bones & concussion. Not driving yet (drs orders) but even being driven, seeing all the downed trees and debris brings me to tears and I start shaking. Kind of a double whammy. I’m 60+, no support system so being scared & alone adds to it. Is this all just a temporary situation that will ease with healing and time or should I be more concerned? I’m not a fearful person normally. Thanks for your time.
New Here - Anxious: Hi. I’m new here so... - Anxiety and Depre...
New Here - Anxious
I am sorry for your experiences. I do hope that what you are suffering now is temporary, but if it continues or is too severe, I would recommend a therapist or some professional that you can process through it with. You might be able to find relief and process it here with us. Welcome.
Thank you. I’m hoping talking through it with input from others will help guide me back to my “normal” path. At least that’s my goal.
Would you like to talk about the hurricane or would that be too painful? If you think it would help you, I am willing to listen. If you think it would cause you pain, I don't want you to talk to me about it. I want what is best for you.
I’m fine talking about. The worst of it started about 4:30am with intense wind & rain. The sound was frightening. I could hear trees cracking and snapping, things flying around (like patio furniture, potted plants, etc), transformers exploding. The trees were bending almost to horizontal positions. The power went out and I was afraid of the tall trees behind me falling on my house so I moved with the dogs away from the back of the house. It eventually stopped and many of us went out to survey the damage. It was awful. Trees down everywhere and it blocked our way in and out of the neighborhood. That was scary enough. But without power and even street lights down, as the sun set, the darkness frightened me. Then that first night (or morning) I got up to use the bathroom. The room was pitch black. I somehow got turned around and tripped over the dog stairs, the full force hitting the wood floor. I knew I was ‘broken’ and bleeding heavily. I called my neighbor but 911 had to be called as it was bad. It took over an hour for then to get through all the downed trees and power lines. So, basically 2 traumas within a 24 hour period. 4 more nights of no power only led to my being so scared. My house now looks lit up like a Christmas tree at night. Too afraid of falling again. Although it’s now been 2 weeks, darkness and swaying trees still trigger fear right now. Guess that’s why I joined here - to seek others who have experienced trauma and moved past it.
I haven't been through recent trauma. My trauma was from the past. I hope you can process through yours now so that it doesn't affect you in the future like it does me. I don't know if anyone else here has experienced a recent trauma. You might want to write a post with that as the title. "Has anyone just experienced recent trauma?" I am on medication and in therapy. Being here talking with people who understand helps so much. It would be nice if you could chat with someone who is at the same point in their journey as you are. Even if not, you will still be able to find a lot of support from people who are further along on their journeys. I am glad you are talking about it. I think that is such a good step.
sorry to hear that about the hurricane hopefully you family and friends are ok did you manage to flee when Milton struck. sounds like a nasty fall to have concussion 2 weeks later hopefully you`ll turn the corner soon.
Thankfully I’m far enough away from where Milton struck that I only had to deal with some wind. Although mild, still unnerving to sees trees swaying again. Part of my new fear right now which I hope is temporary, as is the dark. Was without power for 5 days so it was that pure darkness that lead to my fall.
You've been thru something awful. You won't be yourself for quite awhile. I can tell you from my experience that PTSD comes with a disaster. We lost our house in the Paradise Fire in 2017. It's no wonder you're feeling anxious. Be kind to yourself and don't expect too much of yourself. Find and accept any help that's offered. You'll be alright in time. I'm glad you found us, we're here to listen. And Gajh gave you some good advice, too. 🥰
I’m so sorry to hear that. My cousin lost his home in that fire, too. I was in Northern Cal during the 2017 Tubbs fire and had many friends lose their homes. I guess until it happens to you directly, it’s hard to know what people go through. Your words are very encouraging and I thank you sincerely. I hope life has returned to some sort of normalcy for you.
LoveMyDoggies
I'm very sorry you went through all this.
It's a very traumatic situation. So many people in the state are suffering with you. The news is very hard for me to read.
It's good you have your neighbors for support. People always come together during times like these.
If your triggers continue you should reach out to your doctor.
🐬
Thank you. I so appreciate your kindness and support.
Hi and welcome. Wasn't Helena a couple of weeks ago now? The last big one is Milton.
I hope you were safe in both of them.
It was Helene two weeks ago that I’m speaking about. Never went thru anything like this and because I’m still feeling so fearful I came to this site seeking advice, input, and/or support. Home only suffered minor damage.
You've been through a terrible ordeal, it's no wonder you feel shocked and worried. Might be an idea to get a walking stick while you are still healing.
It would also be a thought to see your Doctor, possibly get some mild anti-depressants, also a therapist could help you get your confidence back.
In the UK, we don't get hurricanes, but we get Atlantic Gales which can often be the tail end of a hurricane or Tropical Storm. Yes, we lose trees and roofs, the occasional small tornado does damage, but on the whole our houses are far more sturdily built than yours in the States, brick and stone on mainly concrete pads now, some of them are several centuries old. Our roofs are made of heavy Cement Tiles or slates too.
Cheers, Midori
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