Experts Weigh In on Emotional Effects of Storm - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Experts Weigh In on Emotional Effects of Storm

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Losing electricity for a week or more is a traumatic experience, especially for the elderly and children.

For some, each new batch of storms is accompanied by heightened anxiety.

Therapist Hamlet Smith said it's normal to be worried, but if you find yourself losing sleep or obsessing over the weather, you may need to seek professional help.

"If you're noticing persistent problems with sleep, persistent problems with eating or appetite, thoughts of suicide, poor memory, unable to find things like car keys on a regular basis, it might be a sign that you may need a little bit of extra help," Smith explained.

Like any traumatic experience, it is difficult to get out of survival mode after a disaster.

Smith said children may need some extra reassurance.