On August 24, 1992, my life changed in ways I could never have imagined. Just a month after purchasing my first home—an apartment in Miami—Hurricane Andrew ripped through, leaving destruction in its wake. My apartment, like so many others, was destroyed by the sheer force of Andrew’s winds. As a single mother with a 9-month-old baby, I found myself suddenly without a home or a job, but in the midst of that devastation, I found strength. I wasn’t afraid. I knew I could rebuild because the most important thing remained intact: my family’s safety.
We all lost our homes, our furniture, and all our belongings, but we had each other. I will never forget the feeling of running through my mother’s subdivision—where I had moved because my apartment was uninhabitable—chasing trucks for essentials like Pampers for my baby. Those were tough times, but we survived, and eventually, life returned to a new normal. Thirty-two years have passed since that unforgettable night, yet the flashbacks of that trauma remain vivid. The sounds of the wind, the trembling trees, and the helplessness still come to me, especially when hurricanes are on the horizon.
I thought I would never experience something similar, but I was wrong. Here in Simpsonville, SC, where I now reside, we recently faced Hurricane Helene. Though it wasn’t as fierce as Andrew, the familiar fear resurfaced. Hearing the wind howl and watching the trees shake uncontrollably reminded me of that night in 1992. I was filled with gratitude that my family and friends were safe, but I couldn’t help but think of those who weren’t as fortunate.
Helene made landfall in my home state of Florida before reaching South Carolina. It left behind a trail of devastation, claiming lives in both states—my first home and my second home. My heart aches for those who lost everything and, most tragically, for those who lost their lives. My sincere condolences go out to all those affected by this monster of a storm.
As someone who has now survived not one, but two hurricanes, I am deeply thankful. The experience has strengthened my resilience, but it has also deepened my compassion for others who must navigate the aftermath of such natural disasters. To those rebuilding after Helene, I offer you my sincere sentiments and prayers for healing. You are not alone, and I stand with you in spirit as you find your way through this unimaginable loss.
I close this article with a heart full of gratitude for my survival, but also with a heavy heart for those who weren’t as lucky.
Surviving the forces of a second hurricane reminds me of how fragile life is and how, in the face of Mother Nature’s fury, the only thing that truly matters is the safety of the ones we love.
To all those who have suffered losses, whether of loved ones, homes, or livelihoods, due to Hurricane Helene, my heart goes out to you. This storm has tested our resilience, but together we can rebuild, restore, and find strength in our communities.
Stay strong, and may we all find the courage to rebuild and support one another during this difficult time.
Here are 25 tips to help overcome flashbacks after experiencing a hurricane:
- Acknowledge Your Emotions: Accept that it’s normal to have flashbacks after a traumatic event.
- Ground Yourself: Practice grounding techniques, such as focusing on your surroundings or engaging your senses (e.g., touch, sight).
- Breathe Deeply: Focus on deep, calming breaths to help manage anxiety during flashbacks.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Practice mindfulness to stay present and avoid being pulled into the flashback.
- Seek Professional Help: Consider therapy, particularly trauma-focused therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
- Talk About It: Share your experience with trusted friends or family members. Talking about the trauma can help lessen its power over you.
- Create a Safe Space: Surround yourself with things that make you feel safe and comforted, such as familiar objects or calming music.
- Limit Media Exposure: Avoid excessive exposure to news or media coverage that could trigger memories of the hurricane.
- Engage in Physical Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress.
- Focus on Routines: Stick to daily routines to provide structure and a sense of normalcy.
- Develop a Sleep Routine: Maintain a regular sleep pattern to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Journal Your Feelings: Writing down your emotions can help you process the trauma and release negative thoughts.
- Utilize Visualization Techniques: Imagine a peaceful place to counter the imagery of the hurricane.
- Avoid Numbing Emotions: Resist the urge to use alcohol or other substances to numb the feelings from flashbacks.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that healing takes time.
- Use Positive Affirmations: Repeat affirmations such as “I am safe now” or “I am stronger than this memory.”
- Limit Triggers: Identify and avoid specific triggers that bring on flashbacks.
- Set Small Goals: Accomplish small, achievable goals to regain a sense of control over your life.
- Reconnect with Nature: Spend time outdoors, as nature can be healing and provide a calming effect.
- Stay Connected to Support Networks: Keep in touch with people who care about your well-being.
- Develop Relaxation Techniques: Practice progressive muscle relaxation to reduce tension in your body.
- Consider Group Therapy: Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can be helpful.
- Art Therapy: Use creative outlets like drawing, painting, or music to express your emotions and work through the trauma.
- Pet Therapy: Spend time with animals; they can provide comfort and reduce stress.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge the small steps you take toward healing, no matter how minor they may seem.
These tips are meant to help manage and reduce the impact of flashbacks, but it’s important to seek professional support if symptoms persist.
