DUBLIN, Ga. — After natural disasters like Helene, the American Psychiatric Association said people can experience mental disorders like depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
The good news is you don't have to battle that alone.
At Community Service Board of Middle Georgia, they want you to know, it's okay if you're not feeling okay right now.
"You don't have to have a current mental health diagnosis to in order to seek out consultation for clinical services," Community Service Board of Middle Georgia Community Relations Coordinator Erica Stokes said.
After natural disasters, she said shock is the first thing people experience.
"The next thing as we go into some sort of normality will be the 'setting in' of the current circumstance, and those steps forward of what do we do next? And that's where we're gonna start seeing some of the mental health symptoms," Stokes said.
She said Helene will be a once-in-a-lifetime disaster for many. That's why the nonprofit is offering one-on-one counseling, peer support groups, and support with advocates that are tailored to folks in Georgia's agriculture industry.
"Talking about it and normalizing the situation of what we've just experienced, and some of the symptoms of what's coming forward, will get us ahead of the game," Stokes said.
Over at Hibbett Sports in Dublin, Bridgett Hester said it hasn't been easy for her family after Helene.
"Mental health goes a little bit crazy, cause you wonder how you're gonna take care of your family, how y'all gonna survive, how you're gonna have food," Hester said.
She's keeping her head up by staying busy at work, but says others should not struggle alone.
"We all struggle. You know, everybody needs help sometimes you know. And you gotta put your pride to the side sometimes and just say you need help," Hester said.
Stokes says it's important to take care of yourself, but also look out for friends, family, and neighbors who might be going downhill after Helene.
"What could seem like someone is okay, would- would be the absolute opposite. So any change in behavior towards that individual's normal routine would be a tip-off," Stokes said.
Community Service Board of Middle Georgia serves 16 counties with branches in Laurens, Dodge, Burke, Emanuel, and Screven counties.
To make an appointment, call 478-272-1190. If you need immediate help for mental health, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.