As rescue crews and volunteers work tirelessly to clean up the devastation left in the wake of the catastrophic flooding that swept through central Texas during the July 4 weekend, mental health experts are increasingly emphasizing the long-term psychological impact on the survivors and their families. Dr. Sabrina Browne, a Dallas-based pediatric psychiatrist, has spoken to Fox News Digital about the persistent mental health challenges that victims face, especially children, even as the immediate crisis is addressed by emergency responders.
“Tragedies like this, in a very literal sense, hit close to home. It’s one thing when you see things playing out on TV, but when it happens in your community, it really affects your life on every level,” Browne said. “The reality for these families is that once the camera crews are gone and once the aid organizations are packing up, they’re still going to be living with the repercussions of this.”
Browne highlighted that a common response to such traumatic events is the loss of a sense of safety and stability, which can manifest as anxiety, worry, and a pervasive fear of future disasters. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and survivor’s guilt are also potential outcomes, as many survivors have now experienced the reality of living through a disaster. The psychiatrist noted that many of the victims were children, underscoring the unique ways in which young individuals process such trauma. Unlike adult survivors, children often lack the cognitive maturity to comprehend and contextualize the events, making their psychological response both intense and deeply personal.
Browne, who previously provided support to families in the aftermath of the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, emphasized that children are not merely ‘little adults.’ Their developmental stages significantly affect how they react to trauma. For many children affected by the floods, this could be their first encounter with death and disaster, which further complicates their psychological response. She explained that children may begin to question whether such tragedies could happen to them, adding an additional layer of emotional distress.
In response to the growing need for assistance, Spring Health, a company specializing in mental health care, has committed $500,000 in free therapeutic services for flood victims across Texas, North Carolina, and New Mexico. This initiative aims to provide accessible, confidential counseling to individuals impacted by the disaster, recognizing that recovery involves not only rebuilding physical structures but also addressing the emotional toll. Virtual counseling options will be available for those who cannot access in-person services, ensuring that support reaches those in greatest need.
Browne also outlined key indicators for parents to look out for, such as changes in daily behaviors like sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, or an aversion to play. She stressed that these significant shifts are red flags that require professional intervention to support the long-term mental health of children affected by the disaster.