Mental Health Support for Hurricane Fatigue in Treasure Island

Hurricane Trauma and Recovery

• 🌀 Hurricane Selene and Milton are still impacting residents nearly a year later, affecting them not just financially and physically, but mentally as well.
• ⚠️ The mere mention of hurricane season can be a triggering event for those who experienced the storms.
• 🏠 For some, like Keith Dalton, the lingering smells and sights from the storm surge can bring back horrible feelings and trauma.

Support Systems and Resources

• 🤝 The Life Intervention Focus Team (Lyft) on Treasure Island, originally formed to connect residents with resources, has expanded to focus on hurricane mental health recovery.
• 🧩 Lyft has partnered with the Peninsula chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to help residents understand and cope with trauma responses.
• 💡 NAMI aims to support individuals experiencing symptoms such as fear of future storms, irritability, and isolation.

Coping Mechanisms and Availability

• 🗣️ NAMI Peninsula offers free connections to resources, including therapists, to help community members manage triggers.
• 🌳 It's important to take care of yourself by talking with a therapist, engaging in enjoyable activities, or spending time in nature.
• 🗓️ Lyft plans to hold hurricane fatigue meetings monthly and will post schedules on their website.
• 📞 Additional mental health resources are available through the county's care program.