COLUMBIANA COUNTY Post-flood stress normal, mental-health experts say

Crisis workers are on call at all times.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Disasters can have lingering effects on victims long after the storms pass or floodwaters recede, area mental-health experts say.
The Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board wants Columbiana County residents to know that after a disaster, it is normal to experience a number of stress reactions that may continue for a significant period of time.
A sense of uncertainty often becomes a part of life, said Kathy Chaffee, director of adult services for the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
"Having a roof over our heads and a floor underfoot are things we take for granted," Chaffee said. "A disaster such as the recent flooding we've experienced can put people into stressful situations they never expected."
Most disaster survivors experience many normal responses such as depression, anxiety, or anger. These responses improve over time and do not cause any lasting problem, experts say.
Some individuals, however, have reactions which do not improve, and it becomes necessary to seek professional help.
Dealing with losses, details
"Dealing with the loss of property, loss of items that can't be replaced, working with insurance companies, deciding if a temporary move is needed -- all of these activities are stressful," Chaffee said. "While all that is occurring, people still have to handle the details of everyday living."
For anyone having difficulty coping with recent severe thunderstorms and subsequent flooding and other events which occurred in our county, these following agencies are available to help.
* The Help Hotline Crisis Center is staffed 24 hours a day, at (330) 424-7767 or toll free, (800) 427-3606.
* The Counseling Center of Columbiana County, (330) 424-9573. The counseling center phones are staffed weekdays, but roll over to Help Hotline after weekday office hours and weekends. Crisis workers from the Counseling Center are on call at all times.
For more information about services available in our county, call the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board at (330) 424-0195.