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Article Excerpt
Responding to a national appeal for mental health volunteers to assist with disaster relief efforts is an altruistic act. However, the reality of the actual work of a mental health volunteer can be jarring. In the coarse of providing services to traumatized individuals, mental health providers are in a position to share the emotional burden of the trauma, become a witness to the damage, recognize the realities of dealing with federal and state agencies, and observe the inequitable distribution of resources. The following is my story of what it was like before, during, and after my experience as a mental health volunteer in the Gulfport/Biloxi, Mississippi area two months after the destruction of August 2005. I hope that sharing my story will encourage other mental health counselors to play a role in responding to the needs created by events like Hurricane Katrina.
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Most Americans were shocked by the level of destruction and devastation that Hurricane Katrina left in its path in August 2005. When the call was sent out for mental health workers, many of us wanted to do what we could to help; to utilize our training during an incredible situation with dire need. I decided to respond to that call. This is my story of what it was like before, during, and after my experience as a mental health volunteer in the Gulfport/Biloxi, Mississippi area two months after the destruction. I hope that sharing my story will encourage other mental health counselors to play a role in responding to the needs created by events like Hurricane Katrina.
THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS TO GO
When I first heard about the hurricane that was going to hit the southern coast, I did not think that it would have any impact on me. I thought that the residents and community leaders would be able to handle the situation. That area had been hit by many terrible hurricanes in the past, so what was different about this one? Surely, they would know what to do, and be able to respond effectively. Why would they need me?
Soon, however, as I began hearing the stories of the devastation, lack of organization, and deplorable conditions that residents of the area were contending with, I felt a pain in my gut that I knew I could not ignore. Thus, I decided to apply to be a mental health volunteer. Due to the extreme and urgent need in the area, I was not required to go through any training. I downloaded the application from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) and quickly filled it out. There had been such an incredible outpouring of support from mental health providers, that I did not know when or if I would be called to go. The pain in my gut went away because I had done what I had to do. Now it was out of my control.
Six weeks later, on Tuesday, October 19, 2005, I received the call from the Red Cross to be "deployed" to the hurricane stricken area immediately. They informed me to call into headquarters the next day for orientation and that I would be leaving on Sunday, October 24, 2005, to Gulfport, Mississippi. Because flights into Gulfport/Biloxi were limited, I would have to fly into Mobile, Alabama, rent a car and drive to Gulfport.
My anxiety was very high. I had never done anything like this. Why would I do this now? I had important responsibilities at home, which included four children, a husband, supervisees, a budding private practice, and an adjunct faculty position. It would be easy to say no. I did not know any of these people. There would be no long-term consequences for me if I did not go. That familiar pain in my gut returned stronger than ever. Nevertheless, rather than continually second-guessing my decision, I moved forward. In less than six hours, I had every loose end of my life tied up for the next two weeks.
My flight left in the early afternoon, so I was able to go to church. I cried almost the entire service without knowing why. I believed I was being "called" to help, but I was already helping others. That is why I chose this profession. I still had second thoughts and doubts until I said goodbye to my family and boarded the airplane to an area I had never been to before. I experienced the whole gamut of emotions: fear, hope, anxiety, compassion, humility, anger, and trepidation to name just a few.
DIFFICULT BEGINNINGS
Sea Bee Base
Once I landed in Mobile, Alabama, I called a phone number to get instructions. I was instructed to rent a car and given directions to the Sea Bee Base in Gulfport, Mississippi. What!?! I would be staying in military barracks? I knew this had to be a mistake. There had to be a hotel room available somewhere. Maybe it would only be for one night. Therefore, as day turned to night, I found my way to the base. Guards with large guns instructed me as to where to go. I pulled up to a huge brick building. Suitcases in hand, I was told to report to the front desk. My accommodations for the next two weeks consisted of four large brick rooms that had housed as many as 1200 people. There were a few rules that had to be followed: lights out 2200, lights on 0600, no sex, no drugs, no alcohol. I was told to go pick up my bedding, select a cot and get...
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