July 18, 2022 – With predictions of above-average hurricane activity this summer, behavioral specialists across Florida are warning of a significant uptick in “hurricane anxiety” as the stress of preparing for a pending storm can layer on top of already simmering frustrations associated with high gas prices, supply chain problems and the rising costs of goods.
Mark Cardillo
“From a mental health perspective, we’re talking about a perfect storm,” says Mark Cardillo, program director of behavioral health for HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital and HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital, both part of HCA Florida Healthcare. “It’s the totality of all the stresses we’re currently experiencing compounded by worries of a pending hurricane.”
“Hurricane anxiety” can overwhelm individuals when a hurricane is in the forecast
The term “hurricane anxiety” represents “the intense and persistent stress that overwhelms individuals when a hurricane is in the forecast, from waiting in long lines at the grocery store to finding enough plywood to board up windows and filling up your car with gas,” he explains.
All of that emotional stress, if not managed properly, can lead to riskier, more panicked decisions such as attempting to drive through high water or evacuating in the midst of a hurricane when leaders urge residents to shelter in place.
“You’re going to see anger, poor frustration tolerance, lack of eating and a lack of focus,” Cardillo says. “We also see increases in drug and alcohol abuse as well as acts of domestic violence.”
Florida’s elderly particularly at risk
Kadesha Evans, DNP
“The issue of hurricane anxiety is particularly prevalent among Florida’s elderly population,” explains Dr. Kadesha Evans, executive director of behavioral health at HCA Florida West Hospital in Pensacola, part of the HCA Florida Healthcare network of hospitals.
She says elderly persons, especially those living alone, often lack the information that would ease their anxiety about a storm simply because they may struggle to access updates on a mobile phone or desktop computer like most of the population.
“It all goes back to the unknown of what’s actually happening,” Evans adds. “That’s why it’s important for the elderly not only to get information, but to get it in a way they can understand, whether that’s from their adult children or from some other form of support.”
As for alleviating hurricane anxiety, mental health experts recommend having a plan to prepare for a storm, from securing supplies to creating an evacuation plan well in advance of the storm.
“When you sit down and make a list and work your way through those items, it tends to decrease one’s anxiety dramatically,” Cardillo says. “Above all, seek help if you need it.”
Turn to healthy activities to reduce anxiety
Healthy activities such as exercise, reading or working on a puzzle can also be effective in reducing one’s anxiety levels.
As for helping the elderly, Evans advises adult children of elderly persons address the core reasons of their loved one’s anxiety.
“Even if you have plans in place, we need to address the core reasons of one’s anxiety,” she adds. “It’s about actively listening to what they are actually afraid of.”
Dr. Nelson A. Hernandez
Dr. Nelson A. Hernandez, Chief of Psychiatry at HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital in Tamarac adds, “If fear or anxiety is increasing to the point someone is not able to function, I highly recommend they contact a behavioral health specialist; whether that’s a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or primary care physician, for advice. We know this can help, and also perhaps a low dose of medication to help with the crisis will be beneficial.”
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 570 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms. United as a statewide network in 2021, HCA Florida Healthcare includes approximately 11,000 experienced doctors and 77,000 colleagues working together to deliver advanced, collaborative care to more than 7.4 million patients each year. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provided nearly $836.6 million in uncompensated care and invested significantly in innovative technologies and facilities across Florida, including the new $360 million state-of-the-art, multi-specialty HCA Florida University Hospital in Davie, Fla. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
Kadesha Evans, DNP, is Executive Director of HCA Florida West Hospital Behavioral Health. As a 5th generation nurse with over 15 years of healthcare experience, she has served as an RN and Nurse Leader in Med/Surg, Inpatient Rehab, ED and Behavioral Health. Kadesha earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Slippery Rock University, a Master’s of Science in Nursing Leadership and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Kadesha currently resides in Pensacola with her family.
Mark Cardillo is the Program Director for Behavioral Health at HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital and HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital. He has steadily increased his clinical and administrative skills over his professional career serving as an Individual, Family and Group Therapist, Clinical Director, Chief Operations Officer, Vice President of Clinical Services and owner of a behavioral health center. Today, he is also in private practice and a certified Clinical Supervisor. Mark earned a Master of Social Work, Clinical Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology/Psychology from Centenary College of Louisiana. He resides in Tampa Bay with his wife and children.
Dr. Nelson A. Hernandez has over 16 years of experience in adult and geriatric psychiatry including crisis stabilization, inpatient and outpatient services. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and Chief of Psychiatry at HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital. Dr. Hernandez brings vast experience in addiction psychiatry and detox treatments.
