09/26/2025
It’s been one year since the Hurricane Helene disaster. Our hearts are with all the survivors and we’d like to share a message from MentalRest
Clinical Educator, Brooke Losey:
We’ve reached the anniversary of Hurricane Helene and I wanted to share some things that are helpful for survivors (which is all of us in WNC and surrounding areas who went through it). Last winter, I did a lot of research on what helped communities around the world thrive after disasters, because it turns out it doesn’t matter what the disaster was—war, tsunami, hurricane, earthquake, flood—our human experiences and responses are the same. We are connected to all those who’ve gone through hell before and what helped them can help us.
Behind the scenes since, I’ve been presenting my findings to public servants and area organizations. What I realized most people don’t know is how long recovery takes. Economically, physically, and emotionally, it can take *over a year after the one-year anniversary* to recover to pre-disaster functioning. The takeaway I want all Helene survivors to have is that this experience is running in the background for all of us, it will for some time, and while it doesn’t feel normal, this is normal after a disaster. It’s what’s expected.
The graphic shown is a list I compiled of common experiences from all sorts of disasters including Helene. I ask participants of my training if they or anyone they know has experienced any of these since Helene, including in the past couple weeks, and all the hands go up. We all may continue to have bouts of these, even as we move forward in some ways. Most people in impacted areas aren’t realizing the reason they feel off is because we all went through Helene and I really want you all to know you aren’t alone.
*One of the key findings in communities that thrive after disasters is that those who commemorate the anniversary in some personally meaningful way have much better outcomes.* Which brings us to today and the coming days and weeks. Please take some time to pause and honor what you and yours went through a year ago in whatever way feels best to you. There’s a list on Asheville Reddit and Buncombe County Gov FB page of area observances in the coming days, and several impacted communities beyond are holding their own events, but this can also be as simple as taking a moment on your own or with family.
Take care ya’ll and know that if you feel less effective or more easily overwhelmed than before, that’s actually normal and it’s everyone in our area. It will pass, though probably slower than we’d like. Remember to call or text 988 if you’re struggling to go on. Unfortunately thoughts of ending it all can come up at this phase in recovery and will require extra support.
Healing takes time, and while it may feel slow, it will come. If you ever need someone to talk to, please reach out. You’re not alone, and support is always available.
