Descriptive words such as catastrophic, horrific, overwhelming, devasting, traumatic, and depressing cannot fully express the feelings of many St. Louisians enduring the harrowing effects of last Friday’s tornado. As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, it is a poignant time to address the emotional toll left by the tornado that devastated the Central West End, Forest Park, and much of North St. Louis. Five people were killed, another known 38 were injured, and over five thousand homes, churches, and businesses were damaged or destroyed.
The National Weather Service confirmed that the EF3 tornado with estimated wind speeds between 136 mph and 165 mph was the cause of so much destruction throughout the city and region. Not since February of 1959 has St. Louis city experienced such a catastrophic tornado. For many in this predominantly Black community, the destruction has brought not only physical loss but also significant mental and emotional strain. Because we have never seen anything like this before, our natural inclination is to succumb to a sense of defeat or helplessness. Stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression are natural responses to such a traumatic event, but there are practical steps and cultural strengths that can help individuals and families navigate this challenging time.
Although we are grateful for the many organizations, volunteers, community and civic leaders who are assisting in the arduous task of restoring and rebuilding our city and region, it is important that we look to salient suggestions of caring for ourselves. I offer a few helpful suggestions:
Practical Coping Mechanisms
1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: It is important to recognize and validate feelings of fear, sadness, or frustration. Suppressing emotions can lead to greater distress over time. Journaling or speaking with a trusted friend, clergy, spiritual director, or counselor can help process these feelings.
2. Establish Routine: In the chaos that follows a disaster, creating a daily routine can provide a sense of normalcy and control. Even small rituals, like morning coffee, prayer and or meditation time, or evening walks, can ground you during uncertain times.
3. Seek Professional Help: If feelings of anxiety or depression become overwhelming, reaching out to mental health professionals is crucial. Free or low-cost resources may be available through local organizations, especially during this period of recovery.
4. Stay Connected: Isolation can exacerbate mental health challenges. Lean on family, friends, church members, and community groups for support. Sharing experiences with others who have been through similar situations can foster resilience.
5. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and physical activity to support mental well-being. Even small acts of self-care, like deep breathing exercises or listening to music, can reduce stress levels.
6. Limit Media Exposure: While staying informed is important, constant exposure to news about the disaster can heighten anxiety. Set boundaries for media consumption to protect your mental health.
The Role of Black Spirituality and Culture in Healing
Black spirituality and culture have long been sources of strength in times of adversity. Faith-based practices, such as prayer, meditation, and attending church services, provide solace and a sense of hope for many. Churches often serve as community hubs for support, offering not only spiritual guidance but also tangible resources like food drives and shelter assistance.
Storytelling and communal gatherings are also deeply rooted in Black culture and can play a therapeutic role in recovery. Sharing personal narratives about the tornado can help individuals process their emotions while fostering collective healing.
Moreover, music—whether gospel, jazz, or other forms—has historically been a powerful outlet for expression and resilience in Black communities. Listening to or creating music can lift spirits and provide an emotional release.
Looking Ahead with Hope
While rebuilding homes, businesses, churches, and neighborhoods will take time, fostering mental well-being is equally critical in the recovery process. By combining practical coping strategies with the rich traditions of Black spirituality and culture, individuals and families can find strength to move forward. Let this Mental Health Awareness Month serve as a reminder that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward healing and resilience.
The road ahead may be long and difficult, but together, the CWE, and North St. Louis can rise stronger than ever. #StLouisStrong
#StLouisStrong #MentalHealthMatters #TornadoRecovery
