ARDEN-ARCADE – The impact of severe weather on communities has an often unseen side.
The physical toll is noticeable when it comes to damage and cleanup. But doctors warn that it can also affect your mental health.
In the Arden Arcade District, residents have not dealt with floods and fallen trees.
“Well, it’s usually cold,” said Sally Seymour. “I have a lot of batteries and a lot of candles.”
Diana Halpenny
Instead, these homes have had no electricity since Sunday.
“We had a storm and then a blackout,” said Glenn Tomeyer. “Came back and disappeared again.”
Power outages, fallen trees, property damage, and loss of life are big problems for everyone.
“First of all, we are not used to this, so there is a lot of uncertainty,” said Dr. Erika Felix. “We are currently in the impact phase of this extreme weather event.”
Dr. Felix is a psychologist who specializes in natural disasters. If parents and educators aren’t sure how to talk about the effects of bad weather, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara says: National Child Traumatic Stress Network There are tools and resources to guide adults to have age-appropriate conversations.
For adults, Dr. Felix said 24/7 disaster distress hotline Provided through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
From wildfires to massive flooding, people in Northern California face constant threats from extreme weather.
In an instant, people should be alert.
Residents who have experienced dangerous close-in accidents in the past may recall previous traumas, which may contribute to further stress.
So what can you do?
“You may be paralyzed. You may be angry. You may be worried,” Dr. Felix said. “If they persist in the coming weeks and are beginning to impair your ability to work, enjoy your family and enjoy life, consider reaching out for additional support and help. please.
Back at Arden-Arcade, there are people looking forward to meeting the SMUD crew.
“I’m fine for now. I don’t want to continue,” Seymour said.
Others say they don’t mind this minor inconvenience if it means filling up the reservoir.
“There are some negative things going on, but I think we have to accept the good and the bad,” Tomayer said.
