Limit exposure to news of hurricane devastation

Persons struggling with feelings of stress and anxiety in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa are being urged to limit their exposure to excessive news about the destruction, including social media content, to safeguard their mental well-being.

Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Kevin Goulbourne, said that the impact of the hurricane has been devastating, with loss of lives, property, and livelihoods, and overexposure to images of the disaster can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.

"You don't want a person to be, on an hourly basis, consuming this because this will cause one to feel ... that this problem is so big, that you feel overwhelmed and become anxious as if there's no way out. So one wants to limit exposure to videos and reports of what is happening. Ensure one maintains connection with family and friends, check up on each other, and so on, and provide support for each other," he told JIS News.

He advised that to avoid constant exposure to news, persons should try to maintain a normal schedule, speak to friends and family, and engage in constructive activities such as exercise to manage stress. He urged persons to focus on the positives, including the coming together of individuals, entities, and communities to support those in need.

"People are trying to provide resources for persons to recover - physical relief, food, water, clothes. We need to be able to provide temporary shelters for persons. It may not be adequate, but it's being provided and brings some sense of hope. The purpose is to recognise that there are also sources of help available," he said.

Goulbourne is encouraging individuals visiting communities and shelters to provide relief for affected persons to use the opportunity to ascertain how the victims of the hurricane are coping.

He also encouraged individuals who need support to call the ministry's helpline at 888-639-5433 for counselling 24 hours per day, seven days per week, or send text messages to 876-838-4897.