In the wake of recent devastating flooding in Ohio County, the impact on the community extends far beyond physical damage. As residents grapple with the aftermath, mental health professionals have stepped forward to offer essential support. This effort aims to alleviate not just the emotional turmoil stemming from loss but also to help the community rebuild from trauma.
Tragedy struck over the weekend, displacing families and taking a toll on the mental well-being of many residents, including first responders. In response to this crisis, local mental health counselors have organized crisis and grief counseling sessions at Bridge Street Middle School. These services are available to all affected individuals, making it a critical resource for the community.
Counseling sessions are scheduled for several days, encouraging both children and adults to participate. The sessions require no prior appointment, thereby ensuring immediate access to those in need. The offered times are:
- June 20: 1 PM – 4 PM
- June 23: 9 AM – 1:30 PM
- June 24: 9 AM – 12 PM
The importance of these sessions cannot be overstated. According to Dr. Nicole Shepherd, a Behavior Specialist with Ohio County Schools and one of the organizers, the initiative underscores the necessity for victims to have someone to listen and validate their feelings. “It’s crucial for victims to have someone who listens,” she emphasizes. “We aim to offer skills that help them navigate their current situation but more importantly, we want to create a space for them to express themselves.”
The need for specialized support extends to first responders, as they often witness traumatic events during recovery efforts. Shepherd explains that Ohio County Schools (OCS) will provide additional facilitated support groups specifically for these individuals. “First responders and families impacted by the flooding will have tailored discussions to help them cope,” she notes.
Achieve Behavioral Health Counselors, including Jason Frohnapfel and his team, have dedicated their time to assist in these counseling efforts. In addition, mental wellness coaches and school counselors will also be present to offer their expertise. This collective effort highlights the deep commitment of the community to address mental health in the wake of such a calamity.
OCS Director of Communications, Karin Butyn, reassures that anyone seeking free mental health support can comfortably walk into the school during counseling hours. Support staff will assist in necessary paperwork and facilitate connections to qualified counselors. Butyn stresses that therapy sessions will last as long as participants need. “We recognize that individuals are currently focused on the physical recovery from flooding, but the psychological trauma must be addressed too,” she explains.
Counseling services aim not just for the immediate aftermath but set an aim for a longer-term support system. Butyn notes that while many are caught up in the urgent tasks of cleanup, it is vital for them to know that emotional support is readily available, and they can take small steps toward healing.
“Emergency counseling like this is designed to provide short-term assistance,” Shepherd elaborates. “Just one or two sessions can help, offering a bit of comfort during tough times and subsequently connecting individuals with longer-term resources if desired.”
One of the most powerful aspects of this initiative is its inclusivity. Every member of the community is welcome to participate in these sessions, including volunteers involved in recovery efforts. All those who have experienced or witnessed the distress caused by the flooding will benefit from the available counseling.
“Even the volunteers working tirelessly to help victims have been affected,” Shepherd acknowledges. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable coming in for at least a preliminary assessment of their mental health needs.”
As Ohio County begins to recover physically, it is crucial to remember that emotional recovery is equally important. For those impacted, the road to rebuilding will be long and fraught with challenges. Butyn emphasizes the gravity of their task: “We want our community to know we will be here for them, whether they need assistance today or in the weeks to come.”
Both Butyn and Shepherd stress their hope that individuals will take advantage of the available counseling services. They urge anyone feeling the weight of this trauma to seek help, regardless of their circumstances. “Providing mental health resources is a tangible way to assist in the community’s healing process,” Butyn affirms.
As healing begins, it’s vital to recognize that all residents, regardless of age, are affected by this disaster. “The affect of losing loved ones, homes, or even a sense of security cannot be underestimated,” Butyn said. Indeed, Ohio County will take time to recover, but with collective effort and an array of mental health resources, communities can begin to patch the emotional scars left by this disaster.
In a world that often prioritizes physical recovery, the message from Ohio County’s mental health professionals is clear: emotional well-being must also take center stage. The counseling services being offered are not just about mental health; they are about rebuilding lives, one conversation at a time. Mental health is integral to overcoming adversity, and by ensuring these resources are available, the community can work through their trauma in a supportive and constructive environment.
Anyone affected by the flooding is encouraged to take that step towards healing, reminding themselves that reaching out is the first step toward recovery, both physically and mentally.
