Stay calm and connected - Expert warns anxiety can spike during natural disasters

October 29, 2025

Photo

The raving water of the Caribbean Sea near Caribbean Terrace, St Andrew, on Monday.

A man cautiously makes his way toward the shoreline at Seven Miles, Bull Bay, as Hurricane Melissa lashes sections of the island yesterday. A man cautiously makes his way toward the shoreline at Seven Miles, Bull Bay, as Hurricane Melissa lashes sections of the island yesterday.

A vendor at her stall in Coronation Market ahead of Hurricane Melissa’s arrival on Monday.

Senior clinical psychologist at the Western Regional Health Authority, Georgia Rose, is imploring members of the public to prioritise their wellness as the country faces the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Rose said individuals should ensure that they are physically active, staying hydrated and eating well and keeping in contact with loved ones.

"Reach out to your loved ones; talk to those family members and friends," she advised, noting that people living alone may become even more isolated if they do not stay connected during natural disasters.

Rose said that persons feel a range of emotions during a hurricane, with anxiety being one of the most common. She said that social media contributes to feelings of anxiety.

"We want to encourage the population to be mindful of how much information you're consuming through informal spaces such as social media, because it can heighten your anxiety," she said.

Rose said that anxiety, along with other mental health symptoms like sadness, becomes a concern when it interferes with daily life, affecting sleep quality, appetite, and social interactions, leading to fear and inactivity.

She encouraged persons to seek professional help for anxiety symptoms that interfere with daily activities.