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Natural disasters are realities that can disrupt the communities they affect, including college campuses.
Take the recent hurricanes, Milton and Helene, for example. Many colleges across Florida closed in preparation for and in response to Hurricane Milton, and colleges in Western North Carolina – an area devastated by Hurricane Helene – were still closed weeks after the storm caused historic flooding.
The ramifications of a significant weather event span from physical to emotional, which has undoubtedly played out in an already busy storm season this fall.
While there are many critically important measures to consider and take when preparing for and responding to natural disasters, the mental health of the campus community should be one of them.
For students away from home, friends, and family who have limited resources and are already struggling to manage the pressures of academic responsibilities, social connections, and personal growth, the unpredictability of a natural disaster can heighten feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness. By proactively addressing mental health before disaster strikes, students can build resilience, stay grounded during a crisis, and more effectively recover in the aftermath.
Five ways disasters affect emotional well-being
1. Immediate emotional impact
Natural disasters can evoke intense fear, anxiety, and helplessness. Students may feel overwhelmed, unsure of their safety, and disconnected from support systems, which can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions.
2. Disruption of routine and structure
Students thrive on routine, and natural disasters can severely disrupt their academic, social, and personal lives. The loss of structure – such as canceled classes, disrupted living arrangements, and uncertainty about the future – can contribute to heightened stress and disrupt their sense of normalcy.
3. Disconnection and increased isolation
Natural disasters can lead to isolation due to physical displacement, loss of communication, or breakdown of social connections. This disconnection can intensify feelings of loneliness, making it harder for students to access their usual support systems and mental health resources. This can be incredibly disruptive for a generation already in the throes of a loneliness epidemic.
4. Difficulty accessing support resources
Access to on-campus counseling services or other mental health support may be limited during a natural disaster, especially if students have been displaced or forced to evacuate from their homes. Students may face challenges getting the help they need when they are most vulnerable, underscoring the importance of remote and virtual telehealth support.
5. Long-term psychological effects
Even after the danger has passed, the long-term mental health challenges persist. The psychological recovery process may take time, and students should be encouraged to seek ongoing support to build resilience, whether through therapy, peer support, or self-care strategies.
“Mental health support in the aftermath of a natural disaster is crucial,” said Dr. Lee Carter, assistant vice president for Student Wellness and Health Equity at Coastal Carolina University.
Preparing for this type of emergency is essential for schools geographically located in at-risk areas for major storms and destruction, like Coastal Carolina University. However, as Hurricane Helene’s impact on Western North Carolina exposed, areas once considered largely safe from catastrophic destruction are not immune from intense storms.
Is your campus prepared to support students during a disaster?
Calm before the storm: Preparing mentally and emotionally
It is common for students to experience mental health challenges even before a natural disaster occurs. Anticipation, fear, and uncertainty can all impact a person’s mental and emotional health. These emotions heighten for those with pre-existing anxiety or who feel or experience a lack of preparedness.
Addressing mental health beforehand equips students with coping strategies to manage their fear and anxiety. By building effective coping strategies, students will develop resilience, making them more capable of handling the emotional strain of a disaster. Creating an emotional preparedness checklist can help, including knowing the support resources available and identifying safe spaces (both physical and emotional) to turn to in a disaster.
It is also important to establish social and community support. Students should be encouraged to reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals before disaster strikes and do their best to stay informed and connected to campus resources.
One of the major natural disasters that threatens Coastal Carolina University is hurricanes. Due to its coastal location in South Carolina, the school has an emergency management team that monitors models and the National Hurricane Center’s forecast. They pay particularly close attention during hurricane season: June 1 through November 30.
Carter knows this team is essential and effective for their campus. She credits its proactive communication for helping keep the campus community informed and safe in times of weather uncertainty, especially for those students who are not native to the coast and familiar with hurricane season preparedness.
“The trust and credibility they have built has enabled our community to respond to students and the anxiety they might have related to experiencing something they haven’t before and far from home, to boot,” said Carter.
Given the importance of supporting student mental health during natural disasters, the university operates a mental health first aid training program led by the school’s CAPS director.
“This is growing the number of folks in our community who can mobilize mental health response in the event of a natural disaster,” Carter said.
Carter said evacuation orders are the biggest challenge in supporting student mental health during natural disasters.
“If a hurricane is predicted and the governor orders an evacuation, our students are spread across the state and even the country,” she said. “Especially for our out-of-state students, we want them to have access to licensed mental health providers wherever they are.”
One way Coastal Carolina has worked to solve this issue is by partnering with TimelyCare.
During disaster: Managing mental health in real-time
Feeling fear, panic, and helplessness in the middle of a natural disaster is natural. It is helpful to normalize these emotions and teach students how to manage them in the moment by practicing mindfulness, for example. Other coping techniques include breathing exercises, mental distractions, and, if possible, staying connected.
Personal disaster response looks different for everyone and can vary widely, depending on the intensity and circumstance of each situation. If possible, maintaining some routine, regular meals, and sleep can help provide stability amidst the chaos.
Feelings of overwhelm are also expected and normal. Limiting social media consumption and utilizing campus or community emergency resources can help, as well as checking in with friends and maintaining communication to avoid isolation.
After the storm: Resilience in recovery
According to a 2023 research study, the most common mental health illnesses associated with catastrophic disasters were anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Additionally, one study found that residents who experienced two or more hazardous events, like hurricanes and flooding, in the past five years had a reduction in mental health scores.
Without proper care, these issues can affect students’ ability to be well and thrive, both academically and personally.
Depending on the situation, it may be a while before things get back to “normal;” however, it is essential to begin the healing process as soon as possible. Providing access to mental health services helps students process their experiences, rebuild routines, and regain a sense of normalcy.
“Resuming classes in whatever form is appropriate if there has been an interruption, and students attending those classes, can help in this,” said Carter. “Students need to feel supported and engaged in caring for themselves so that they can regain normalcy at a pace that works for them.”
Carter credits access to telehealth with helping students know that resources are available to them no matter what might be happening on campus. She also notes how a partnership with TimelyCare allows students who rely on telehealth for certain prescriptions and medication management to know they can receive continued services regardless of potential campus closures.
“For students who engage in peer support communities, [TimelyCare] helps them share their feelings with others around what is happening on campus. It also helps all of our students maintain practices of self-care, whether it be meditation or health coaching,” Carter said.
Another great way students can build resilience after a natural disaster is to volunteer and give back to the community. Engaging in community service helps students regain a sense of purpose and control during uncertainty and disruption. Helping others can foster social connections and rebuild a sense of community – an experience with lasting emotional benefits that can reduce feelings of helplessness and create a positive outlet for processing their trauma and stress.
If you want to learn more about how virtual care can be part of your school’s emergency preparedness plan to support student health and well-being? Let’s start the conversation.
