Letter to Our Communities

Superstorm Sandy was among the most devastating events in our nation’s history. This “Frankenstorm” produced levels of physical damage never before experienced by our communities. The strength, courage, and resiliency displayed by our neighbors and fellow citizens will be recalled and remembered with awe. However, while our bodies heal, homes slowly become restored and lives become increasingly “normal,” many of us may remain psychologically scarred by the myriad of Sandy-produced adversities.

Survivors of extreme hardships can suffer from temporary or persistent emotional ailments. Traumatic episodes, such as those produced by Sandy’s unrelenting winds, can overwhelm a person’s psychological constitution. When a person perceives severe threats to his or her safety and survival, fear and helplessness may be experienced. For most, the passage of time is enough to sufficiently heal the resulting emotional wounds. Others, however, struggle to cope.  Some of us also suffer from longer-term financial setbacks which only add to the anxiety and distress.

Hardships can affect us long after they are experienced. Memories from intense events tend to be more acute and accessible than less intense, even if more positive ones. This is especially true for those who tend to suffer from anxiety challenges even prior to exposure to the traumatic event.  They can become overly focused on possible misfortunes, and susceptible to anxiety, panic, depression, anger, irritability and overreactions.  Counseling, by implementing rational perspectives and realistic hope, helps one to courageously rise from victim to survivor.

For almost four decades, Resolve Community Counseling Center – a nonprofit mental health agency in Scotch Plains – has provided clinical services to needful populations. In this challenging era, one that not only is dealing with Sandy’s difficult aftermath but also the strains of an underwhelming economy, quality and affordable psychological assistance is essential. Resolve’s established and credentialed staff includes psychologists, counselors, social workers, and family and marriage therapists. Those interested in learning about how Resolve can be of service are encouraged to contact Cheryl Weiss at 908-322-9180, extension 10, for more detailed information. We are located at 1830 Front Street in Scotch Plains, and our website is http://www.resolvenj.com/.