The next level of support

Jana Mathia, Whitman County Gazette | Sep 17, 20200

Donation are overwhelming facilities, so great has been the outpouring of support from people within and out of Whitman County for the victims of last week’s firestorm. So many items have been given, so many tangible blessings, cups are overflowing.

Now that the adrenaline has worn off and the imminent physical danger is past, the community, friends and family, need to be as willing to support the emotional and mental needs of those who have been traumatized.

It’s not surprising, nor is it anything to be ashamed of or scorn at. Were an individual traumatized in a car accident and their leg or collar bone broken, you would tell that person to go to a doctor, seek treatment, go through physical therapy until they were functioning normal again, their body once more whole. Had the fire caught hold of their flesh, causing damage, searing flesh, you would tell them to go to a doctor, seek treatment, go through therapy until their flesh was whole and working properly again.

Well, the fire may not have caught hold of flesh, but it did catch hold of their minds. It caused damage, seared into their memories and emotions. One friend who had to evacuate but did not lose her home told me she was afraid to leave home and was having nightmares of the flames. You don’t have to live with that pain and trauma. There is help. There is treatment. There is therapy. Same as for any other trauma.

I understand the desire to tough it out, to think you can work your way through it alone. It is easier to shoulder mental and emotional pains and go on as if you aren’t hurt. Time heals all things, right? Yes, sometimes. Sometimes all it takes is time for the nightmares to taper off and the fear to subside.

When do you know outside help or intervention is needed? When I was faced with the decision of seeking treatment for mental malady, I was told that if it interferes with you having a good life, get help. If the emotional or mental trauma that you are carrying is taking away from the quality of your life, then it is time to get help. That may or may not be today. But, when or if it does happen, that is the time you seek out treatment.

As for those supporting the victims, it falls to us to listen, first and foremost. Listen, love and support these people through their mental and emotional trials. Recognize the signs that something is not right inside, that the trauma is taking away from their quality of life. Are they quicker to anger or snap at something? Have they lost interest in activities that use to bring them joy? Has there been a noticeable change in personality? Then it may be time to encourage them to speak to a medical professional about treatment.

This fire has already taken so much from people. Do not let it continue to rob them of their joy and happiness. The fires are out. The smoke will pass. The days will we sunny and skies clear again. People are already rebuilding or moving on. Let us continue to support them in their recovery, inside as well as out.

Jana Mathia

Gazette Editor