Sebastian Saraellno Paez, a 17-year-old high schooler, described his emotional detachment during a crisis: "Beginning at that point, my brain put itself into survival mode, where I'm not really processing anything emotionally." This reflects a broader trend as the community grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, highlighting the psychological impact of natural disasters on vulnerable populations.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, mental health professionals indicate that a slow-moving crisis is unfolding due to collective trauma. They warn that its effects will be felt for years, stressing that the quality and level of mental health care in the coming months will be critical for recovery, especially in communities like Swannanoa where many families are still reeling from the disaster.
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