For many Texans, these past few weeks have been one of recovery and healing from the aftermath of the intense winter storms that have occurred throughout this past week. With over thousands of residents losing power in below freezing temperature, floods induced by pipe bursts, and even car pile ups on busy highways due to frozen floods, many have dealt with a great deal of pain and loss. Additionally, many have had conflicting feelings about the recent mandate lifts made and the upcoming anniversary of the start of the pandemic. It can be difficult to find resilience in a time where it seems as though natural disasters and catastrophes have become our new normal. Especially for those who have to manage loss in multiple sectors, coping with the emotional and mental toll of these events can seem trivial, however taking the time to heal is integral to the health needs of an individual and can actually aid with building a sense of resilience and thriving internally and externally.

During times of natural, economic, and personal crisis, it is important to take a step back and breathe. For some who feel the need to jump right in and start planning a course of action in such dire times this can be quite difficult, but it is a crucial step to take in terms of the coping and healing journey that comes with managing the effects of impactful life events. Truly taking time to take a breath and clear your mind before taking any action, although a simple strategy, is very helpful in terms of strengthening the problem solving process through bringing serenity to the mind and body.

In addition to taking a few steps back and reflecting on the present, it is necessary to assess what is of immediate importance and how it affects you physically, financially, mentally or emotionally. Taking time to write a pros and cons list of replacing certain items lost in a flooding incident, or evaluating your time outside and how it would affect the health of yourself and those around you. Putting all of your thoughts and emotions into writing or some other creative organization format, is a simple yet powerful coping mechanism for the stresses that surround impactful life events.

When our minds are racing with all sorts of thoughts, processes, and emotions, it is also helpful to contact others who are closest to you that may be having similar experiences. Just by having a conversation to vent about the anxiety that can develop in these situations as well as the trauma that can be imposed by such an intense turn of events creates a sense of solidarity and support that is very much needed within the coping process. To know, feel, and acknowledge with other individuals that you are not having to go through this alone sparks a sense of support that can put into perspective the state of a situation and even offer multiple solutions within your personal networks. Reaching out to others is a large step in the mental healing process and can offer many opportunities to grow and develop this pain and confusion into something that makes us resilient and powerful.