It might take two weeks before people begin experiencing the post-traumatic stress that some counselors say is common after traumatic events, such as the tornado that touched down Monday. After cleanup is complete and people begin to settle down into their normal routine, depression and anxiety might surface. Kim Pruden, left, receives support from her friend Joy Gray, a Red Cross volunteer, at the dry goods distribution in Apollo High School's parking lot Thursday morning. Gray said Pruden mentioned the tornado took everything, including the pillows off her bed. The distribution center moved from Apollo later in the afternoon to Wyndall's Foodland in Lincoln Mall.
Needy victims can pick up clothes, cleaning supplies and canned goods at the new location.
People may experience feelings of terror, anxiety and depression. And even though they may feel relieved that they are alive, they still are experiencing a loss. Judy Farrar, a licensed clinical social worker and trained disaster mental health professional with the Red Cross, said talking about the trauma is one of the best things people can do to help them deal with stress. They need to recognize the feelings they are experiencing and realize they are normal. Touch is also very healing, she said.