I'm watching CNN, viewing all of the coverage surrounding Hurricane Ike. I cannot help but feel great concern for many in the Gulf, a large number of whom have preexisting PTSD related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Many are undoubtedly "re-living" (to some extent) prior trauma and being flooded with bad memories. (Some of the folks I'm thinking of are my own friends and family living in Texas.)
How accessible is counseling or community-based help (support groups) in shelters or in areas to which many have fled? Are efforts being made to help people mentally, not just physically?
Red Cross = yes. American Psychological Association (APA) or National Association of Social Workers (NASW)? No known organized efforts as of yet.
I'm waiting!!!! If you're a helping professional, please get out there and reach out, people! You are needed! Don't wait for them to come to you! Go to hotels and shelters and work it! :). Lending your sympathetic ear could make an extraordinary, healing difference to many.
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