Resources coming to families managing the emotional toll of recent disasters in Southeast Missouri

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) – People are preparing for the possibility of severe weather this weekend while some families are still just starting the process of recovery from recent tornadoes.

It’s been two weeks since a tornado hit Poplar Bluff, on March 14. The path to recovery is long, but the duties of daily life move forward. Students are returning to school, Monday, March 31.

However, the memories of what happened remain, and they can take a toll on the mental health of disaster survivors.

The Lansford family had to move out of their home after it was hit by the late-night tornado that swept in through their backyard. It ripped apart the roof and siding.

Their son Cayson, who’s in third grade, recalled the experience.

“I was just terrified,” he said, “didn’t even know what to say.”

Seeing his damaged home was shocking. The destruction left him speechless.

The tornado hit the back of the house – breaking glass in the upper level and blowing debris around inside.

“There’s just a lot of glass,” Cayson said. “We’re working to fix it.”

Cayson’s father, Craig said he’s seen a change in his kids since the tornado. With storms predicted for this weekend, he sees the concern on their faces.

“Luckily, here in our house we have a basement with a safe room,” he said, “so that makes us feel more comfortable and hopefully it makes our kids feel more comfortable. But I do see it has put some fear in their eyes.”

Lansford said they turn to their faith for strength.

“We just tell them that it’s in God’s hands,” he said, “we’re protected by him always and just trust in his faith and move forward with it.”

Over at the multi-agency resource center set up at the Black River Coliseum, Show-Me Hope crisis officer Kris Uselton said their program provides free crisis counseling to people affected by disasters.

“When a disaster strikes there’s so much to do, you know, we’re in survival mode,” she said.

The aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming and the idea of another storm on its way can strike fear in people. Uselton said their program offers people information about emotional first aid for children and adults.

She said simple things can make for great coping skills when emotions are running high.

“Everyone thinks that breathing — oh, it sounds so simple — that’s not going to do much for me, but it really helps regulate the nervous system and kind of reduce that panic and anxiety,” she said.

She recommends square breathing. You use your finger to draw a square as you breathe — inhale for four seconds, hold the breath for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, hold again for four seconds, and then repeat.

“When people have been through a lot, and a scary situation, it’s okay to need help and to ask for it,” Uselton said. “There is help out there, so please ask.”

She said the strength of a community coming together – like people in Poplar Bluff have been doing – is another great way of improving mental and emotional health.

You can learn more about the Show-Me Hope program, here.