The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FAMILIES and businesspersons suffering from the emotional effects of the destruction of Hurricane Matthew began their journey of healing by attending free post-crisis seminars last week on Grand Bahama.

Crisis specialist Grace Plank, of the Renascence Institute International, met with families in West End, Eight Mile Rock, and Freeport on Thursday, and with the wider business community on Friday at the Pelican Bay Resort.

Ms Plank, a psychotherapist and trauma specialist, said people who experience a crisis need hope to recover and rebuild their lives after the crisis.

“We need hope right now,” she told those attending the seminar at the Bishop Michael Eldon Auditorium on Thursday.

Residents turned out in good numbers at the West End and Eight Mile Rock communities, which were hardest hit. Just about every home and business in West End was significantly damaged by the category four storm on October 6.

Ms Plank told residents that as they move about the island they will notice new leaves springing forth and blooming again on the trees.

“That is a sign of hope, and as you drive and walk around look at the signs of life on those trees. We need hope right now to recover to the point we were at pre-storm,” said the trauma crisis specialist.

“We are still recovering and rebuilding. And yeah, it is going to be a really long rebuild because the rebuilding that had already happened after Wilma and Jeanne was not at the level you needed to be, and then this storm came along and tore it down all over again. But think of this rebuild as turning things into something positive.”

Many residents suffered significant personal losses and property damage, and did not have home insurance. Businesses were also affected and are faced with major rebuilding.

The Castaways Resorts, which lost a portion of its roof, is open but the damage is still very visible and rebuilding has not yet started four weeks after Matthew.

Ms Plank stressed that victims of crisis should be more purposeful in the things they do now that will make their lives better.

Some people, she said, may decide to simplify and de-clutter their lives while others may want to improve and expand their homes.

“This is a time for you to think about what your priorities are, and maybe refocusing some of them. If we do that we can come out of this better than we were going in. We might not have all material things, but we might have more peace of mind,” she said.

Ms Plank said that people who are more detail-oriented have a more stressful time than those who are more “big picture oriented and more focused on the future.”

“Push yourself to think of the big picture because then you are able to think of the possibilities and opportunities, and rebuilding may not be so daunting,” she suggested.

Ms Plank also stressed that victims should also focus on taking care of their bodies by eating and sleeping well, exercising and breathing deeply.

“A lot of people who are under stress hold their breath or breathe shallowly. But you must breathe because oxygen keeps us healthy - we function and concentrate better and make better decisions. We must drink lots of water; keep yourself hydrated and do some deep breathing or sighs,” she suggested.

She noted that stress can take a toll on our bodies and persons should be aware and take notice of any changes.

“Some people have issues with their vision, intestinal issues, their blood pressure has gone up, and their heartbeat is racing; beware of those things and do something about it. If you have a headache - take a tablet even if you don’t like doing that so you don’t have a headache that day because one day without a headache can make a difference.”

Ms Plank said that persons must find ways to de-stress themselves.

“Get a massage, stretch out your muscles, and relax,” she added. “Most of you I am sure are more irritable and more impatient where you are snapping at the kids and standing in long lines now and less tolerant of people. Those are emotional signs of stress.”

Ms Plank said that doing little things like watching the sunrise or sunset, star gazing or sitting on a dock with your feet dangling in the water, praying or reading the Bible or spending time alone are some things persons can do to relax.

The seminars were hosted by the Grand Bahama Port Authority. Charles Pratt, commercial manager of GBPA, said that more seminars will be provided for residents on Grand Bahama, particularly in Freeport.