‘They’re asking: Why me?’ Volunteers respond to mental health concerns after Vermont floods. – The Boston Globe

“Every time there is rain in the forecast, there is the fear of another flood,” said Terri Lavely, co-chair of Northeast Kingdom Human Services’ suicide prevention effort.

The nearly back-to-back flooding and severe storms hit Vermonters the second week of July and then again on July 30, with some communities flooded more than once.

First it was the remnants of Hurricane Beryl. Then flash flooding just three weeks later due to heavy rainstorms. And, little more than a week after those storms, Hurricane Debby arrived on Aug. 9, bringing rain, wind damage, and at least 21,000 power outages.

Disasters like these, researchers have found, can have significant emotional and psychological consequences on survivors. For example, an average of 28 percent of disaster survivors develop symptoms of depression, according to a 2022 study that reviewed disaster health research. In another 2022 study, about a fifth of disaster survivors (analyzed across multiple studies) had symptoms of acute stress disorder, which can include symptoms of intrusive thoughts, a sense of detachment, trouble sleeping, and irritability.

President Biden on Tuesday declared a major disaster related to the storms in early July, which unlocks federal funds for temporary housing, home repairs, and other Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery programs. The declaration does not include assistance for damages caused by storms on July 30. Vermont Governor Phil Scott will make a separate request for a disaster declaration related to that storm, according to a statement by the governor’s office.

Patty Collins, a therapist who volunteered at a flood recovery center in Lyndon this month, said several survivors she has worked with are feeling “terribly compromised” and on edge.

“They’re asking: ‘Why me?’” Collins said.

Collins said she taught some residents about grounding techniques and stress reduction tactics. Grounding techniques can include practices such as closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, and counting to three and then exhaling. At the flood recovery center, she also provided them with phone numbers and websites where they can connect with a counselor.

Megan Mathers, 36, a volunteer relief coordinator for Kingdom United Resilience & Recovery Effort, a coalition of nonprofit organizations and grass-roots volunteers organizing disaster recovery efforts, said the sound of thunder is one of the most common triggers mentioned by survivors. Volunteers from the group have mucked out dozens of homes across the state’s northeast corner this summer.

“Not having that feeling of safety is really, really hard for people,” Mathers said.

Many, Mathers said, are also struggling with the loss of their personal belongings — particularly sentimental items such as family photos — and the uncertainty of whether they will qualify for federal relief.

Climate change heightens the sense in Vermont communities that a “new normal” is unpredictable and out of their control, Mathers said. “It’s the unknown: Is this going to happen again?”

At the same time, she’s also seeing the toll that witnessing the devastation is having on the emotional well-being of volunteers. Those who repeatedly sign up to help “get burned out really fast,” Mathers said. Others have volunteered once, seen very intense devastation, and not returned, she said.

“It can be really overwhelming for everyone [involved],” she said.

State agencies have upped mental health resources for Vermonters in the aftermath of the flood events. Last week, the Vermont Department of Mental Health announced it would extend its “Starting Over Strong Vermont” outreach program, an initiative that provides anonymous and free mental health referrals and education.

“We know that the impact [of flooding] extends beyond just physical damage,” said Emily Hawes, commissioner of the state Department of Mental Health, in a statement. “Folks are struggling with the fear, anxiety, and re-traumatization that comes from these recurring events and memories of last year’s flooding. We want our communities to know that we are here for them.”

Last summer, catastrophic flash flooding damaged thousands of Vermont homes and businesses, caused landslides, and compromised dams.

Betty Lai, an associate professor of counseling psychology at Boston College who has researched the impact of disasters, said the most common psychological responses are depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can include symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks.

The floods in Vermont, Lai said, could have been a traumatic event for residents depending on what they experienced during and after the storm. Stressful events after the initial storm – such as arguing with insurance companies, financial problems, or being forced to relocate – can also be traumatic.

Lai said survivors should be aware that even if they may not be struggling today, some people experience a delay of perhaps three to six months between the disaster and a psychological response.

She recommended that adults who care for children ask them how they’re feeling. Sometimes, parents and caretakers assume that a child is experiencing the event the same way that adults are, she said, but emotional responses to disasters vary widely.

Lai said survivors should reach out to friends and family for help and pay attention to their substance use. Drinking is a common way that some survivors cope, but it tends to worsen symptoms.

“People can become isolated after these events or feel cut off,” Lai said. “Lean on your social support.”

Lavely, of the Northeast Kingdom Human Services’ suicide prevention effort, said she emphasizes to survivors that what they’re going through is a normal response to a traumatic experience.

And when the rain comes again?

“What I’m encouraging people to do is close your curtain, and distract yourself with a movie or a book,” Lavely said. “We can’t control the weather; we can only control the way we respond to it.”

In Vermont, to be connected with a local mental health agency or a referral, call 211. For immediate and confidential crisis support by text message in Vermont, text VT to 741741. For confidential suicide and crisis support anywhere in the United States, call or text 988.

Erin Douglas can be reached at erin.douglas@globe.com. Follow her @erinmdouglas23.