The emotional impact of the Great Flood in Ascension Parish and the Greater Baton Rouge area.

We in South Louisiana are a resilient people. We spring into action when there is a tragedy. The Great Flood of 2016 is the epitome of who we are as a community. I saw ordinary men take fishing boats in the middle of the night to rescue people from the flood water that engulfed their neighbors’ homes. The media labeled them the “Cajun Navy”. I s witnessed churches all over the Livingston, Ascension, and E. Baton Rouge Parish quickly organize make-shift relief centers that delivered, food, clothing, cleaning supplies, and offered shelter, helping many in their personal communities and outside their own towns. I saw more compassion from the people of South Louisiana than from our own federal government. It was extremely humbling to me, and I’m so grateful I live here. Although I am a transplant, I’m never leaving for this very reason, but as I type this blog, I worry about the emotional distress this flood will cause. My worry comes from the strong sense of pride. I’m concerned that people will only treat their home for mold and brush off the emotional trauma of what this “Great Flood” has done to their sense of security. Many people take great personal pride in their homes. This is where their babies take their first steps. This is where we spent many holidays with family and friends. Some even get married in their homes, and in an instant, it was washed away in the middle of the night. How could this not weigh on your soul? Its going to be a long road ahead, but please recognize the signs that you may not be “okay” mentally. Your home may get new drywall and flooring, but your spirit needs rebuilding as well. Below, I’m listing some signs that, if you notice, you should seek some professional advice to help you feel at home in your soul once again.

Not everyone will have an emotional reaction to the flood, and those who do will react in their own unique way. Some of the more typical emotional reactions may include:

• Recurring dreams or nightmares about the floods

• Trouble concentrating or remembering things

• Feeling numb, withdrawn or disconnected

• Having bursts of anger or intense irritability

• Persistent physical symptoms (i.e.,headaches, digestive problems, muscle tension, etc.)

• Being overprotective of your family’s safety

• Avoiding reminders of the flood

• Being tearful or crying for no apparent reason

These are just some examples. There are many other ways we react and cope. If you feel like you need more help emotionally, do not feel like you are alone. Many in our community have been affected, and you should never feel ashamed in seeking professional help. I’m linking some local mental health facilities in our community that have experts who can help you get through this.

“A house becomes a home once again when the people that live there are happy.”

#yourrealestatewhisperer

If you or a loved one needs help coping with the recent tragedies, please contact CAHSDat (225) 925-1906. You can visit our website at www.cahsd.org.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255

http://mental-health-facilities.healthgrove.com/l/8874/Baton-Rouge-Mental-Health-Center

http://www.apollo-bhh.com/

http://ascensionparish.net/index.php/departments/m-z/mental-health