SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Flooding is affecting communities across southeast KELOLAND.
Dealing with the loss of your home and possessions can be exhausting and emotionally taxing.
You won’t be seeing anyone bowling at Corral Lanes in Rock Rapids anytime soon.
Everything from the carpet to the lanes themselves may need to be replaced.
“It’s not good at all. Insurance companies won’t do business with you and you’re working at 18 years old. We’ve put up with it for 18 years. 18 years of our lives gone,” said local resident Wanda Hausman.
The recent floods have not only caused physical damage to communities, but also psychological damage.
“Stressful events like these have a negative impact on mental health. They increase stress levels and anxiety, which is certainly accompanied by feelings of helplessness and loss of control,” said Dr. David Elmer, MD, clinical vice president at Avera Behavioral Health.
“We’re tired. We’re working hard. We still have work. It’s hard when you have family. You can’t do what you normally do with your family. I know you’re stressed. You get into a heated argument with someone and you get cranky and stuff like that,” Huisman said.
“Frankly, a lot of people talk about staying up late or working all day and not getting enough sleep, so the physical fatigue can lead to stress. There’s just a feeling of helplessness,” Elmer said.
It’s important not to allow these things to make a bad situation worse, but to talk it through with friends and family.
Wanda Hausmann also tries to focus on the positive.
“Knowing that at least you didn’t lose your life, that’s priceless. It takes a little bit of time and a little bit of money, but you just have to hang in there and get up and hang in there for another day,” Huisman said.
If talking to friends and family isn’t enough, you can also seek professional help, click here.
