Many Vermonters were impacted by Tropical Storm Irene when it pounded most of Vermont with up to 12 inches of rain this past August.

The statewide flooding destroyed homes, farms, and businesses, closed roads, and left much prop­erty in ruin. For many, the storm also inflicted devastating emotional trauma beyond their material losses. This less visible, personal anguish can often be overlooked by the af­fected individuals and their loved ones. Left unacknowledged and untreated, this kind of emotional injury can influence both the health and coping ability of disaster vic­tims, and may even lead to long- term problems.

In response to this mental health concern, a new program, Starting Over Strong (SOS) Vermont, has been created to provide free short- term support for individuals, groups, and communities impacted by flood­ing from Tropical Storm Irene.

SOS Vermont Teams conduct community and home-based out­reach, door-to-door counseling, and psycho-educational services at group meetings and programs, all free of charge.

Who Needs SOS VT?

Not everyone affected by the storms and floods experiences a traumatic emotional reaction. Those who do often react in their own unique way. People may express their internal struggle in a variety of different ways, even in the course of the same day.

Some typical emotional reactions may include recurring dreams or nightmares about the storms or floods, trouble concentrating or remembering things, feeling numb, withdrawn or disconnected; and having bursts of anger or intense irritability.

Also: persistent physical symp­toms (i.e., headaches, digestive problems, muscle tension, etc.) ; being overprotective of your fam­ily’s safety, avoiding reminders of the storm or flood, and being tear­ful or crying for no apparent reason.

Managing Stress

Each person gets through the emotional challenges of a disaster in their own time and on their own terms. The best predictor of how a person will react to a disaster is how they have reacted to other chal­lenges in the past, and likewise, the best strategies for coping now are those strategies that have worked well in the past.

Useful suggestions for coping with the stress and anxiety stem­ming from storms and flooding include limiting your exposure to graphic news stories, getting ac­curate, timely information from credible sources, and educating yourself about specific hazards re­sulting from the flood, such as mold or structural problems.

Try to maintain your normal daily routine—exercise, eat well, and rest. Stay active physically and mentally , and communicate with friends, family, and supporters. Use spirituality and your personal beliefs, keep a sense of humor, and express yourself creatively. Talk and share your feelings with others and seek out and follow the advice of experts.

Above all, individuals should use the coping mechanisms that are most familiar, comfortable, and effective for them. Remember that you don’t have to go it alone. It is okay to ask for help and there are services and strategies for coping with this kind of trauma.

SOS Vermont is supported by FEMA grant funding and is ad­ministered by Washington Coun­ty Mental Health Services in conjunc­tion with other designated mental health agencies and community ser­vices in the hardest hit regions of the state. Call the toll free number: 1-855-767-8800. For more informa­tion, contact Cathy Aikman, SOS VT Project Director, at 229-1399 or cathya@wcmhs.org