Here’s how flooding can impact mental health, along with available resources

Although the worst of the flooding in Whatcom County has passed, the residual impacts of this week’s torrential downpours will continue to linger – and not just physically.

The stress and uncertainty brought by natural disasters can be severely damaging to mental health, National Alliance on Mental Illness Whatcom Executive Director Kim Sauter said. Even people without histories of mental illness are put at risk by experiencing this type of trauma.

Sauter said genetic factors that contribute to mental illness can be triggered by these types of events, and existing mental health issues can be exacerbated. She said she expects an increase in people reaching out to NAMI for help in the coming weeks.

“It’s so important for people to reach out to each other right now and recognize that this is a super stressful time,” Sauter said.

What are signs of mental illness?

While it’s normal to experience stress after something like a flood, lingering disturbances and changes to behavior may be a cause for concern. Whatcom County Health and Community Services put out the following list of potential symptoms to be on the lookout for:

• Feeling afraid, helpless, angry, numb, worried, or frustrated
• Constant yelling or fighting with family and friends
• Difficulty with concentration or decision-making
• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
• Unexplained aches and pains, such as headaches or stomachaches

What should you do?

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or others, help is out there. Many schools have resources accessible for children who are struggling, and primary care providers are also good starting points.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services recommends reaching out to loved ones for support, taking care of one’s physical health and avoiding overexposure to news and social media.

Other resources include:

• Disaster distress hotline: call or text 800-985-5990 for disaster-specific crisis counseling.
• Anne Deacon Center for Hope/Whatcom County Triage Center VOA Crisis Line: call 800-584-3578.
• National crisis line: call or text 988.
• NAMI Whatcom: call 360-671-4950 or email namiadmin@namiwhatcom.org.

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, you should call 911.

Hannah Edelman

The Bellingham Herald

Hannah Edelman joined The Bellingham Herald in January 2025 as courts and investigations reporter. Edelman resides in Burlington. Support my work with a digital subscription