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Watch Out For Signs Of Emotional Trauma After Hurricane

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – While many suffered from the physical damage of Hurricane Sandy, an estimated 11,000 suffered emotional trauma, according to the Mental Health Association (MHA), which has been chosen to deliver crisis counseling to those individuals.

The MHA will provide post-Sandy crisis counseling through Project Hope, which was created by the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after Hurricane Irene last year to help residents with stress and emotional distress caused by the storm and flooding.

A 12-person counseling team will soon begin visiting those estimated 11,000 Westchester and Rockland County residents believed to be affected.

After a storm like Irene or Sandy, those at risk include children, older adults, people with prior trauma, disabilities, serious mental illnesses and substance abuse problems and feelings or sense of hopelessness; people with low-incomes, first responders and other public safety workers.

Symptoms include irritability, poor concentration, low mood and hopelessness, isolation, discouragement, grief over losses and alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to contact Project Hope, call 914-345-5900 extension 7543 or 7544.

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