Hurricane Aftermath: The Silent Struggles We Don't Always See

When a hurricane strikes, our attention is immediately drawn to the storm’s fury and the devastation it leaves behind. We prepare for days, maybe even weeks, boarding up windows, stocking up on supplies, and bracing ourselves for the unknown. When the storm passes, we assess the physical damage—fallen trees, flooded streets, damaged homes. But once the winds have calmed and the skies clear, there’s another aftermath that often goes unnoticed—the emotional impact, especially on our children.

My 10-year-old son, Karson, has been living through this very struggle since Hurricane Milton swept through our town. The physical damage to our home was repairable, but the emotional scars it left on him are far more difficult to fix. He hasn’t slept in his own room since the storm. He hasn’t left my side. His sense of safety was ripped away as violently as the shingles from our roof, and he hasn’t been able to find it again.

At night, the winds that once howled outside now seem to echo in his mind. The familiar comfort of his bedroom—his sanctuary—now feels like a distant memory. He clings to me, seeking protection from a threat that, while no longer visible, still feels very real to him. It breaks my heart to see my brave, imaginative boy transformed by fear.

In the whirlwind of post-hurricane recovery, we often focus on rebuilding homes, restoring power, and clearing debris. These are the tangible things we can see and touch, the things we can fix. But how do we repair the unseen? How do we help our children feel safe again when their sense of security has been shattered?

The truth is, the emotional aftermath of a hurricane can be just as damaging as the physical destruction. And for children, who may not fully understand the storm or its aftermath, the fear can linger long after the skies have cleared.

For Karson, it’s a fear that the storm might return, that the safety he once knew can never be fully trusted again. And while I can rebuild our home and try to reassure him that everything will be okay, his fear is real, and it’s something we must navigate together.

If your family has been through something similar, know that you’re not alone. The aftermath of a hurricane doesn’t just end when the last roof is fixed or the final debris is cleared. It continues in the hearts and minds of those affected, especially our children, who may be silently struggling with their fears long after the storm is gone.

So how do we begin to heal? Here are a few things that have helped Karson and I as we navigate this new normal:

1. Create a Safe Space: While Karson isn’t ready to return to his room just yet, we’ve set up a space in our home that feels comforting to him. Surrounding him with familiar, comforting objects has made a big difference in helping him regain a sense of control.

2. Talk About It: Encourage your child to express their feelings, but don’t force them to talk if they’re not ready. Let them know that it’s okay to feel scared, and that their feelings are valid.

3. Establish a Routine: Hurricanes disrupt our routines, and getting back into one can help restore a sense of normalcy. Simple things like family dinners, movie nights, or even reading a bedtime story together can offer comfort and stability.

4. Patience and Reassurance: Healing from emotional trauma takes time. Be patient with your child and provide constant reassurance that they are safe, even if it doesn’t feel that way to them yet.

5. Seek Professional Help: If your child’s fear or anxiety becomes overwhelming or persistent, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Therapy can be incredibly helpful in giving them tools to manage their emotions and fears.

The aftermath of a hurricane is more than just rebuilding structures—it’s about rebuilding lives, piece by piece, heart by heart. And while it may take time, healing is possible. Karson will eventually find his way back to his room, back to his sense of safety. Until then, I’ll be right by his side, reminding him that no matter how strong the storm, we’re stronger together.

If you or your family are struggling with the emotional toll of Hurricane Milton or any natural disaster, know that you are not alone. Let’s support each other, share our stories, and work toward rebuilding not just our homes, but our hearts as well.

How has your family been affected by the emotional aftermath of the storm? Share your thoughts and experiences below—let’s continue this conversation and help each other heal.