Support groups address storm anxiety, survivor’s guilt

GREENFIELD — Driving through Greenfield one year after the fatal EF-4 tornado hit, signs of recovery are everywhere.

From construction crews working on erecting homes to piles of lumber waiting to be used, the town’s progress toward a “new normal,” is evident. But even when all the homes are built and residents are back in Greenfield, some scars will take longer to heal.

Mental Health

The National Library of Medicine reports post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and binge drinking or substance abuse as mental health impacts of tornadoes.

Studies found women were more likely to report more PTSD symptoms than men after a tornado, but men were more likely to experience depression.

During an event recognizing the one-year anniversary of the tornado, many groups came together to share the resources still available for those who haven’t healed from the devastation.

One group, Project Recovery Iowa, was able to recruit one of Greenfield’s own to assist in the aftermath.

“DBHRT was on the ground after the tornado, which is Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team, and through them, I got recruited into project recovery,” Whitney Lewis said. “I was already doing the work. I’ve lived here for 23 years. These people are my family. DBHRT spotted the work that I was already doing and said you’re already doing it, why don’t you join our team and we can really do something with this, having somebody who knows everybody who lives here, who’s passionate about it.”

While DBHRT is a trained team of volunteers who can mobilize resources to provide post-disaster mental health services statewide, Project Recovery Iowa provides connections for more longterm support.

One of the things stressed by many of the groups was that it’s normal to not be OK, even a year later. This could be seen as some came through in tears, breaking down as they spoke to those offering support.

“There have been ups and downs throughout the year,” Lewis said. “Here especially at the one year, and the weeks leading up to this, people have been having those anxieties all over again, reliving that day. With the storms that come through, people have storm anxiety. But then I’ve also seen a tremendous amount of resilience. People don’t give themselves enough credit. They are stronger than they think they are.”

A graph depicting the phases of emotions pre- and post-disaster show a high directly after the event as the community comes together in the wake of the tragedy. From there, a steep dive hits as the “honeymoon” wears off and work still needs to be done. Jobs pick back up again and triggers come in the form of storms.

Many feel spirits begin to lift as projects are completed, but the anniversary of the event often results in another emotional dip as memories resurface.

Support Options

As the year went on, the people of Greenfield never stopped helping one another.

“We’ve been doing monthly support group meetings,” Lewis said. “People are coming out and feeling more comfortable talking amongst their friends. It is just a casual, relaxed atmosphere where we just talk.”

The support group — Community Conversations — is held approximately once a month at the Greenfield United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The last group was held Tuesday and focused on survivor’s guilt, an excessive feeling of guilt for surviving something that maybe others have not or having very little physical damage to themselves or their property.

The meetings are an opportunity to come together with space to eat, talk and learn, as well as a space to give and receive care.

“We’ve talked a lot about self-care and coping mechanisms and being aware of how you’re feeling,” Lewis explained. “If you’re getting fixated on this weather app and this weather app open at the same time, taking a breath, shutting it off, trying to relax and taking a deep breath.”

The group shares best practices with one another about how they are able to calm down during an anxious situation. In addition, Lewis said it’s a way to hold each other accountable. “If I see you’re not in a good spot, I’m going to let you know,” she said.

While there isn’t a set date for Community Conversations, information can be found on the Greenfield United Methodist Facebook, by calling (641) 743-2715 or by subscribing to the Greater Greenfield Foundation weekly email.

One resource available for seniors in the community is Senior Life Solutions, a hospital-based program that supports older adults experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental challenges often associated with aging.

The voluntary program, facilitated by the Adair County Health System, includes individual and group therapy, psychiatry, medication management and health screens.

Older adults, especially those with mobility issues or limited support, typically have a harder time coping with stress after a natural disaster.

According to the Adair County Health System, most participants in the program experience a reduction in feelings of depression, anxiety, isolation and loneliness. For more information, visit achsiowa.org or call (641) 743-7202.

Thursday marks the first Greenfield Farmers Market of the year, and the Iowa State University Extension Office will be there to talk about self-care in challenging times. The talk will be held in the square from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

“In the middle of the demands of daily life, it’s easy to forget about self-care,” the event description states. “Explore six simple strategies to help you recharge and stay grounded.”

Other organizations that provide mental health support include Zion Integrated Behavioral Health Services in Greenfield and Creston and Crossroads Behavioral Health Services in Creston.

One area Zion specializes in is assistance with substance abuse.

“Research shows that natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes and tornadoes, as well as other types of disasters, can result in increased substance use among people who previously did not use substances, as well as in those with prior substance use disorders,” the American Addiction Center states. “Although anyone can be affected by trauma-related substance use disorders, certain populations may have a higher risk, including those with prior SUDs, first responders, those with a history of trauma and individuals in economically-disadvantaged populations.

Zion offers several levels of care depending on individual need. The adult male 15-bed residential facility is located in Clarinda and offers a safe and therapeutic living environment while individuals learn to develop coping strategies to help them live a life in recovery.

Crossroads is more of a general counseling service, offering support, therapy and counseling to those of all ages.

Even the National Alliance of Mental Health leads a Recovery Support Group in Iowa. On the first and third Thursdays at 2 p.m. and the second and fourth Thursdays at 6 p.m., the group is at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic.

On the first and third Mondays at 11 a.m., the group meets at Waubonsie Mental Health Center in Clarinda. For those not wishing to travel, there is a virtual group every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit namisouthwestiowa.org or call (712) 542-7904.