It's been a year since Katrina - why would problems surface now?

Question

A little over a year ago my wife passed away. Two weeks later, hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the surrounding area. For some reason, I decided to stay and ride it out. By the time I realized that I'd bitten off more than I could chew, it was too late. The night Katrina made land-fall was terrifying. I spent a lot of time on my knees, praying that I'd get through it. After being stuck in the house for several weeks with no water, electricity, telephones or food - because the majority of it spoiled before it could be eaten, I decided to relocate to VA. These experiences were both very challenging, but truthfully I thought I'd emerged a fairly normal person. BUT, as the anniversary dates approached I started having horrible nightmares of the storm where I wake up in tears, developed an intense fear of going outside, and repeatedly get this feeling like I can't breathe. I'm wondering if anyone can offer some friendly advice? I have to get over it and go to work.

Answer 1

Any time you go through something that devastating it can affect you for a long time.

Since you lost your wife and two weeks later had to go through the hurricane and then deal with living is those circumstances. You probably didn't have enough time to mourn the loss of your wife, home and everything else. your mind was in overdrive trying to deal with what was happening that day as opposed to what you had been through.

Now that the anniversary is approaching, it is bringing back all the memories and the feelings associated with it. You have time to deal with it now and cannot suppress it.

You need to see a doctor and explain it to them. I am sure there is help out there.

Good Luck and God Bless.

Answer 2

I went through Katrina in Gulfport Mississippi and the aftermath as well. I didn't have as bad a time as you and you had your wife's death to deal with too. But I have noticed that as the 1 year anniversary approached I felt like crying all the time. I think what you are experiencing is normal after-effects of a trauma. You have a lot to work through. I usually don't recommend therapy but it wouldn't hurt if you got some grief counseling. It's the one-two punch of losing your wife and then your home that has you staggering under the strain. I have heard that counseling is offered for Katrina affected people at no charge in different places. I would suggest trying to work through it without taking drugs. The medications only mask the grief and then it must be dealt with later. I really wish you well---take care.

Answer 3

Well it may have something to do with post traumatic stress, also now that hurricane season is in full swing again, that may be causing some anxiety. try calling
via link
Helis Building | 1040 Calhoun Street | New Orleans, Louisiana | 70118
211 or [phone]



via link connects people and organizations with information and resources to enable them to help themselves and others. via link fulfills this mission through services, referral, and crisis intervention. The Crisis Line and Information/Referral Line is operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Answer 4

The main reason for "New Orleans Neglect",,,is simply put,,,There's no profit in it,,,,The entire Bush administration and countless others are making billions of dollars with eveything that goes on overseas,,,this is not some conspiricy theory ,,,it's a fact,,,,if a true American that actually cared about our nations' concerns were in office,, do you really believe our country would be in such disarray and our children would be in other countries fighting for what is none of our business to begin with,,,,,,they justify our presence over there in the name of fighting terrorism,,,,frankly , I say,,,Bullsh:t,!!,,,,The ONE and only reason we are there,,,is so THEY can get rich. I am a True Blue Patriot,X-military,,and my son just enlisted,,,,so if I had an answer I'd be screaming it at the top of my lungs,,,but I could probably pull a rabbit out of my butt that could do a better job than the money hungry monarchists that are in charge of our country now,,,,You want to see a poverty stricken country?,,,just drive around any big city in America,,,,,We have homeless, starving , desperate people right here,,,but as I said,,,there's NO profit in it !!!!!!!!!!!,,,,,,,,,,ok,,,,I blew off enough steam for 1 day,,,,,and sorry to hear about your loss

Answer 5

It could relate to PTSD. Post traumatic syndrome disorder. Basically what the men in Vietnam experienced. They went throught it and held well. Once it was over or they were done with their term it is a difficult time.
You have time to remember and go over and over things. Almost like re-living it. Counciling may help a whole lot. You've really gone through alot.

Answer 6

It is perfectly normal you may have post traumatic stress syndrome. People deal with things the best they can but then after time you become emotionally exhausted. I went through severe Domestic Violence and for two years I dealt with it fine also I thought till darn near 2yrs to the day I started falling apart. I would go and talk to your Doctor there is medication that you can be put on short term That is what I did and I was weaned off 7 mo later and feel better then before. I wish you the best and my heart is with you.

Answer 7

The two don't go hand in hand....unless your wife's name was Katrina !! Poetically questioning why problems would 'surface' a year after Katrina says enough ! Get off your knees and remember your father and mother also gave you feet to stand and walk on....use them and save yourself....or do you plan to hang around for Katrina 2 !

Answer 8

These are devastating events in your life. A lot of pain and suffering. You need to grieve and there is no set time period to get over it.

Please join a support group for grieving spouses.

Live each day one at a time. Make sure you get out and socialize.

Good luck Bud!

Answer 9

i understand what you mean, Vatican Lokey. I too have spent numerous time in New Orleans, or perhaps nonetheless I left years earlier Katrina destroyed our invaluable homestead in New Orleans, I nevertheless omit it on a daily basis! perhaps while my niece is grown and out of my homestead, i could have the potential to bypass back homestead to the place my late husband and that i nonetheless we would stay out something of our lives at the same time.

Answer 10

Take time to find out people who had it worse than you and thank God that you were not so badly off. From amongst them, find out someone whom YOU can help.