Managing your anxiety during Milton; expert weighs in

We are anxious about Hurricane Milton. It’s perfectly normal, even expected, but there are things you can do to help ground yourself and lower the stress to a manageable level.

With a storm approaching, we’re bombarded with stress stimulation. It triggers a response in our central nervous system, but it doesn’t have to spin out of control.

Whether it was Hurricane Ian two years ago or Helene two weeks ago, events like these etch into our memory.

Stacey Brown is a licensed mental health counselor and an expert in traumatic stress.

“Anytime that you’ve had a trauma and then something shows up that feels similar or looks similar, you’re gonna get reactivated,” Brown said.

Stress has its purpose: it encourages action. The key is to avoid overreaction. When we’re in the throes of it like we are now, Brown said there is a simple method crisis counselors use to orient the senses.

“Look around you. Find three things to look at. I see a plant; I see something green; I see my blue couch; really anchor yourself in what’s present. Focus on what you can hear. Focus on what you can smell,” Brown said.

It may sound odd, but years of fieldwork show that stabilizing your senses calms the mind.

“By doing that when you’re starting to feel anxious, you can really help yourself to be planted and grounded, and then your logical mind can help you,” Brown said.

Pausing for a few deep breaths is one of the quickest, easiest things you can do. It tells your central nervous system to slow down.

“It’s going to stimulate a relaxation response. This is just neurology. Our brain is talking to our bodies all the time,” Brown said.

Stacey is currently deployed in Steinhatchee, helping with crisis counseling after Helene.

A few other tips she gave us on the phone were to avoid loading up on sugary and salty snacks and add protein, which will give your body the fuel it needs.

Also, while people may be tempted, don’t overindulge in alcohol because it can exaggerate anxiety.