By: Brianna Stephens

Just two years after deadly flooding impacted communities in Eastern Kentucky, many of the same children, their families, and seniors are facing another disaster. Flash flooding over the weekend devastated communities and thwarted continuing recovery efforts from the floods of 2022.  

While Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) programs like Disaster Relief and Operation Sharing are coordinating on the ground response efforts, Family Life Counseling Services (FLCS) is reminding people impacted by the flood about the importance of mental health. 

“People tend to put their mental health last in these moments, and I understand why,” said Chris Griffith, manager of CAP’s FLCS. “Meeting your immediate needs like food, water, and shelter are important, but if you don’t address your mental health, the trauma or stress you face will stay with you. You may not notice it now, but months down the road it will have an impact, whether it’s anxiety, irritability, or even nightmares.” 

After the 2022 floods in Eastern Kentucky, FLCS counselors saw a pattern of anxiety, trauma, and PTSD in flood survivors. While physical recovery efforts can take years following a disaster, mental health recovery can, too. Time and consistency are critical factors in recovery, but back-to-back disasters have created inconsistency in the lives of people in the region. 

“That inconsistency compounds the weight of stress, trauma, or PTSD on an individual and makes it harder for them to heal because they are unable to restore a sense of normalcy in their life and don’t feel safe,” Griffith added.  

When our neighbors are in need, the quintessential response of people living in Appalachian communities is to help. Even if you haven’t been impacted by flooding personally but choose to help, it is also important to consider your mental health and the vicarious trauma you may experience through what you hear or experience. 

“To a lot of people in our culture, it may seem selfish to take care of yourself first. It may feel like you are focused on yourself when you should be worried about other people,” Griffith said. “In reality, we can all do more for others when we are healthy, mind and body. It’s honorable to want to help, but just as scripture tells us to help our neighbor, it also guides us to take care of ourselves.” 

For more information about CAP’s counseling services, visit https://www.christianapp.org/family-life-counseling.  

CAP is asking for financial donations and volunteers to meet immediate and long-term needs to help families recovering from flooding. To volunteer, email volunteermanagement@chrisapp.org. To support CAP’s efforts to provide flood relief, please visit christianapp.org/reliefnow.