Naples Florida Weekly
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NAMI Collier fiercely advocates for mental health support — before or after a storm

MAKING A DIFFERENCE



Adriana Gyorkos, Spanish Lead NAMI Navigator for the HUGS (Health Under-Guided System) program, makes door-to-door deliveries to families of NAMI’s youngest clients in the hardest hit communities in East Naples. COURTESY PHOTO / NAMI COLLIER COUNTY

Adriana Gyorkos, Spanish Lead NAMI Navigator for the HUGS (Health Under-Guided System) program, makes door-to-door deliveries to families of NAMI’s youngest clients in the hardest hit communities in East Naples. COURTESY PHOTO / NAMI COLLIER COUNTY

Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on several communities in the paradise that is our beloved Southwest Florida. The loss of life is immeasurable and the intense grief, for loved ones left behind, is incalculable.

Then there’s the loss of property — homes, businesses, and futures — and the resulting financial burdens.

But NAMI Collier County, our chapter of the nonprofit National Alliance on Mental Illness, reminds us of the emotional toll of Ian even for those of us who didn’t suffer the devastation that many of our neighbors did.

“To see a beautiful place like Collier County so devastated by Hurricane Ian, and to be out in the community with residents who’ve lost everything they own, takes an emotional toll on not only those experiencing the loss, but also the witnesses who feel so helpless,” says Beth Hatch, NAMI Collier County CEO.

In my case, I was spared in the sense that my own Collier County home was not damaged. Knowing that Fort Myers Beach, for example, is just 35 miles to the north of my house reminds me of the “there but for the grace of God go I” proverb. And for me, I guess, I’ve been feeling a bit of survivor’s guilt in the wake of Ian.

 Joe LANDON

 Joe LANDON

“These are valid feelings,” according to Nancy Dauphinais, David Lawrence Center’s chief operating officer. “You may feel like you don’t deserve to have feelings of loss or grief because you didn’t lose enough or earn the right to these feelings. To deal with survivor’s guilt, accept that whatever you’re feeling is real. Also, look for a way to get involved. Take some action — any action — to help the community, whether it’s related to hurricane recovery or not. When we develop our sense of purpose, we often find that feelings of guilt decrease,” she stresses.

NAMI Collier County offers programs that serve adults living with mental illnesses, families with children with mental health diagnoses, and homeless adults and families. NAMI reached out to each client after the storm to assess their needs. Finding homes of 22 staff and clients with extensive flood damage, NAMI delivered basic needs and meals while performing door-to-door mental health checks.

“Our programs serve populations that are already vulnerable,” says Liz Stikeman, the chair of NAMI Collier’s board of directors. “To add the devastation of this storm to the lives we touch seems so cruel. But we focus on resilience and hope as the foundation of recovery, and we’ll continue to fiercely support and advocate for everyone we serve to ensure they’re getting the resources they need to find wellness.”

“For anyone living with mental illnesses, events like this can exacerbate symptoms or even create new ones,” says Ms. Hatch. “And for those who’ve lost everything, the grieving process happens in stages. Once the ripping out of the drywall, salvaging belongings, and relocating to a safe place to sleep is done and downtime sets in, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder may start showing recognizable signs.”

NAMI Collier County has its own difficult times to deal with. The decision to postpone their Hope Shines Luncheon, their biggest fundraiser, was a tough one to make.

“We thought it best to create a fundraiser online instead of holding the event,” said Ms. Stikeman. “So we’re counting on a continuation of community support, even from afar, to keep our programs going during this time of great need.

To learn more about the programs and for a link to donate, visit www.namicollier.org.

The David Lawrence Center is fully operational with its multitude of programs up and running. Their website is www.davidlawrencecenters.org. ¦

— Joe Landon is a communications consultant who retired as executive director of communications for Collier County Public Schools in 2014. Contact him at joelandon@outlook.com.

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