Keeping cool vital during storm season

Whatever happens, remain calm.

That's the advice of mental health counselors as the Atlantic hurricane season approaches.

After the active seasons of 2004 and 2005, many Southwest Floridians find themselves growing anxious at the mere prospect of a storm heading this way.

It's not just adults; children may also show signs of stress as tropical storms start churning through the waters around Florida's vulnerable peninsula. How they handle those feelings depends in large part on the adults around them.

"Kids look to their parents and other adults for how to manage their stress," says mental health counselor Debra Patterson, who is assistant vice president of access and outreach services at Lee Mental Health in Fort Myers. "Maintain your routine. If parents are upset and show anxiety, that's what kids model. If parents model a calm exterior, then the kids will take that on, too."

Children display anxiety in many ways.

"They might not be sleeping or they might have bad dreams," Ms. Patterson says. "The dreams don't have to be of a previous hurricane, just something upsetting."

They might become unusually argumentative with parents, siblings or classmates, more prone to accidents or bouts of sadness.

Parents who see these signs should talk with their children, explaining in easyto understand language that although it's hurricane season and they are stocking up on supplies, that doesn't mean a storm is imminent.

Kids may also grow more clingy when they're fearful, says Stacey Cook, a licensed clinical social worker and assistant vice president of residential and outpatient services at Lee Mental Health.

"Read to them, spend time with them," she says. "It's a great way to ease anxiety and stress and help them sleep."

It's apt to have a similar effect on adults.

While it's not unusual for adults to feel anxious, too, Ms. Cook recommends channeling that into productive activities such as preparing the supplies you'll need and a detailed evacuation.

"Feeling proactive gives a sense of control and a sense of calming," Ms. Cook says.

Strategies for easing anxiety

• Prepare well in advance for a storm, stocking up on supplies and storing them in waterproof boxes in a convenient space.

• Just as children participate in fire drills at school, consider having the family conduct a hurricane drill at home.

• Make a list of everything that needs to be done and how and where you'll go if you need to evacuate. Include all phone numbers you'll need before leaving or while on the road.

• Avoid excessive discussion of impending storms in front of children.

• Maintain a routine, especially in regard to bedtime and sleep routines.

• Employ relaxation techniques, such as a hot bath and engaging in quiet, calming activities for half an hour before bedtime. Reading or meditating are good choices.

Who to call

• In Lee County, United Way's 211 hotline provides free 24-hour non-emergency referrals to health and social services.

• Lee Mental Health also offers assessments and referrals by calling (239) 791- 1570.

• In Collier County, the David Lawrence Center operates a 24-hour hotline at (239) 455-8500.

— Karen Feldman, Florida Weekly