An article in Nature Communications in June, 2022 cited flooding as “by far the most pervasive risk” of climate change with tens of millions of people losing their homes each year. [i] Several neighborhoods in Carrboro experienced flooding with some sustaining severe damage during Tropical Storm Chantal on July 6-7. While several resources address potential physical health effects following flooding, including through contact with contaminated water and mold, few address the mental health effects of this particular kind of weather-related disaster and there is little published research in this area. One resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that common reactions to abnormal events include mental health problems even among those with no history of mental illness and those reactions could last for a short or long period of time. [ii]
Flooding can cause damage to or complete loss of possessions and homes, and displace residents from their homes and communities. Re-building and re-furbishing take time, money, and paperwork associated with permits and other processes. There is a lot of decision making required from those affected, adding to their mental and emotional load. Loss and unplanned disruption to daily life can cause feelings of overwhelm, depression, and anxiety. This kind of event and its aftermath can also trigger responses associated with previous life events where the affected person felt they were not in control of what was happening to them.
One study from the United Kingdom found that displacement following flooding was associated with higher scores on depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scales one year after flooding. [iii] A review of scientific literature on mental health and flooding published in 2012 found that flooding affects all ages and can cause mental health symptoms that are indistinguishable from common disorders, so it’s important for health care providers to know if patients experienced a flooding event. It also noted that, “Flooding can challenge the psychosocial resilience of the hardiest of people who are affected” (Abstract) but most people’s needs can be met through their relationships and communities. Smaller proportions of those affected will require specialized care. The review concludes that the best way to promote recovery is through a multi-sector approach that includes communities and agencies. [iv]
Bobby Newell, LCSW, SEP is a therapist with experience working with survivors of flooding disasters. She noted that the loss of or displacement from home is particularly traumatic because “our homes are our sanctuary” and we are meant to be safe there. A somatic experiencing therapist, she told The Carrborean that the trauma affecting survivors is not the event itself but rather survival energy that is trapped in their bodies because they could not do what they needed to do to keep themselves safe when they were experiencing the event. Somatic experiencing therapy and being socially connected and engaged can help flood survivors process their experiences.
What can communities do for residents affected by flooding? Communities can help survivors through the recovery period by continuing to acknowledge what they are going through. Ms. Newell advises that you can show up to help or just to talk or listen, to be with those residents and not forget that they are struggling.
Contact information: Bobby Newell MSW, LCSW (She/Her/Hers) 919-395-4614; Mindful Collaboration, 5003 Southpark Dr. Suite 240, Durham, NC 27713. www.mindfulcollaborationnc.com
If you are feeling distressed from flooding events, you can call SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline, “the nation's first helpline dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling. The toll-free helpline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This free, confidential, and multilingual crisis support service is available via telephone or text message (1–800–985–5990) to U.S. residents who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of a natural or human-caused disaster.” (Available at SAMHSA's Disaster Distress Helpline | SAMHSA Accessed August 6, 2025)
[i] McDermott, T.K.J. (2022) Global exposure to flood risk and poverty. Nat Commun 13, 3529.
[ii] CDC. (2024) Mental Health and Stress-Related Disorders | Climate and Health | CDC. Available at Mental Health and Stress-Related Disorders | Climate and Health | CDC. Accessed August 6, 2025.
[iii] Munro A, Kovats RS, Rubin GJ et al. (2017) Effect of evacuation and displacement on the association between flooding and mental health outcomes: a cross-sectional analysis of UK survey data. The Lancet Planetary Health 1; 4:e134-141.
[iv] Stanke C, Murray V, Amlôt R et al. (2012) The effects of flooding on mental health: outcomes and recommendations form a review of the literature. PLOS Curr. 4:e4f9f1fa9c3cae.