Natural disasters such as hurricanes often bring out our pure, highest self; the brightest natural beauty of who we humans are under the layers. They can act as a motivating force toward supporting one another; we can channel that force to reconnect with each other and our compassion.
Additionally, with resilience and the right therapeutic tools, disaster survivors can emerge on the other side of disasters with post-traumatic growth (PTG) rather than the crippling effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
I have deployed to disasters in the U.S. and around the world, including Hurricane Katrina and the Nepal earthquakes, providing both medical and mental health emergency assistance. In the field following disasters, I have seen a deep radiance emerge - beyond the reach of an earthquake or hurricane.
This radiance is at the core of who we are; inherent strength and beauty reside in every person, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, ability, or anything else that may seem to separate us. The problem is all of the layering that obscures this strength and radiance, making it difficult to remember or access our pure self.
It is possible - with resilience, the right tools, and a healing connection to others - to find peace even in the midst of stressors, pain, and profound challenges of living (and dying). This belief is at the core of my practice. Often, the deepest wounds are not visible: they are the mental health injuries from trauma and, left untreated, they can linger long after the other, more visible wounds may have healed.
Witnessing the epidemic of trauma in the wake of disasters and among my fellow volunteer first responders motivated my return to graduate school to become a therapist.
It is also important to note that natural disasters ~ which are increasing in frequency and severity because of climate change ~ disproportionately impact the most underserved and impoverished global populations.
But with attention, compassion, and competent care, even the invisible psychological wounds can heal.