Depression in the Aftermath of Disaster
Reported by Sophia Cayer
Linda had been traumatized not only by Hurricane Katrina, but also by her subsequent experiences in a shelter after she was displaced from her home. A month after the disaster, she was so depressed that she was unable to function, spending most of her time crying uncontrollably. When I sat down with her, she had one hand over her face, sobbing and unable to speak. I gently asked for permission to take her hand and see if I could help her relax. She agreed, and I began gently tapping on the energy points on her hand. Within a few moments, her tears began to subside. She was still unable to voice her experience, so I just kept tapping and talking with her. I used a specific EFT technique which offers relief without the person having to verbally describe the event. Among other issues, she was haunted by the screams and sounds of gunshots during the nights she spent in the shelter. While she was still, for the most part, unable to speak, I continued working with her, with her tears coming and going. After several minutes, her head was held high and she was able to speak. Then she smiled. Later that evening, I saw her at a gathering for survivors. Her friends, who had initially put me together with her, seemed amazed, reporting that she was her cheerful self again. I will always remember her smiles and hugs of gratitude.
Sophia Cayer is an EFT “Master Practitioner” and a life coach practicing in Sarasota, Florida. She may be reached at [email protected].
