Part 1: The Eye of the Storm

Back when TherapyAppointment was a ‘brick and mortar’ company, we were based in Western North Carolina. Though we have transitioned to 100% remote , our roots are still here, as are many of our employees. I'm still living in the Asheville area and, thus, have witnessed the tragedy of Hurricane Helene first hand.

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However a conversation begins here, it inevitably ends with a first or second person account of tragedy and loss. I've heard horrifying stories of friends who have lost relatives in the floodwaters, of other friends who have witnessed the recovery of bodies discovered in the mud, of whole families who survived in kayaks holding on to the gutters of their submerged home with no certainty of being rescued. 

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A community coming together

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The news and media have focused on some of the more negative sides of this chaos. People looting and swarming helicopters to grab food or water that’s meant to be distributed in an orderly fashion. But I have personally witnessed much more kindness and community spirit, than selfishness or greed.

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Many, many companies have been distributing essentials like food, water, and diapers for free on street corners, advertising their largesse on hastily scribbled cardboard signs. Roads have been cleared of fallen trees rapidly--not by government agencies, but by neighbors who happen to own a chainsaw. Everyone is calling or texting everyone else, inquiring about their safety and needs.Those dealing with the loss of a loved one are swarmed by impromptu grief counselors.

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We’re not responding to some government mandate to become other-centered; it’s seeming to occur naturally. Every text I've received recently contains some form of the message, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." It’s frankly heartwarming.

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‍How you can help during a disaster

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Based on no particular expertise, here are my suggestions should you ever find yourself in the midst of a natural disaster:

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• Think globally, but act locally. You don't need to clean up tons of mud blocking a road; you can be of great help offering little things to your neighbors. I've had the honor of hosting seven hot showers to neighbors with no power or water. I have two other friends living with me now until their own home regains basic services.
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• Use your skills as a therapist. For many of you, this will involve informal counseling to those struggling with death or property loss. You can play a huge role in helping them process their grief and develop a plan to move forward. 
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• Don’t forget other skills you may possess. I happen to be a pilot. Later today I will be ferrying disaster relief from places where it’s piling up to places in desperate need of supplies. If you own a chainsaw, a four-wheel drive truck, or spare flashlights, you can be of great service to your neighbors.
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• Don't curse the darkness; light a candle! No one (yet...) is blaming the power company for being slow to restore power. Instead, people fortunate enough to have generators are inviting neighbors over for a cell phone recharge and a cup of coffee.

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In the midst of tragedy, I have been given a gift. I have renewed faith in the basic goodness of humanity.

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Written by:
Dr. Bill Whitehead
TherapyAppointment Founder

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