Stell: Weathering the Storm: The Power of Resilience in Disaster

Western North Carolina is reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene which brought extreme flooding resulting in massive mudslides, washed-out roads, entire towns destroyed, and rivers re-routed. The economic impact will be felt for years, as will the emotional impact.

Communities that experience natural disasters often band together, supporting one another through shared hardship. This collective resilience is key to recovery. From volunteer efforts to government assistance, the spirit of cooperation fuels the rebuilding process. Resilience isn’t only about returning to normalcy–it’s about learning from the event and fortifying against future challenges. Individuals often discover inner resources of strength they never knew they had, while communities find ways to make their environments safer and more prepared for future disasters, fostering a culture of prevention alongside recovery.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD, says there are factors that make it more likely that we will recover following either human-caused or natural disasters. 

Social support is identified as one of the strongest keys to recovery after disasters. “Social support increases well-being and limits distress. Being connected to others makes it easier to obtain knowledge needed for disaster recovery. This can be practical support for solving problems or finding and getting access to recovery services. It can also mean finding comfort in being understood by people who have shared your experience and getting tips about coping.”

Social support is one way that a bar association can help. As members, check in on your friends and professional colleagues in your local bar, as well as Western North Carolina. Are they suffering a loss due to the storm’s impact? Do they have any family or friends who are suffering a loss? Connecting with them to let them know you care about them, listening as they describe their situation, or their worry, can provide comfort which can help in the healing process.

The Center also cites having good coping skills after a disaster as being an important key to recovery. “Coping self-efficacy–the belief in one’s ability to get through difficult times–is related to better mental health outcomes for those affected by disasters. When you think that you can cope with the results of a disaster, you tend to do better after a disaster.”

This is also great advice for those of us in a stressful career such as law. When we tell ourselves we can cope, and move towards action using our coping skills, we are putting ourselves in a better position to experience resilience. I’m not suggesting positive thinking will solve the crisis in Western North Carolina, but research from the National Institute for Health has found a link between an upbeat mental state and improved physical health including lower blood pressure, reduced risk for heart disease, healthier weight, better blood sugar levels and longer life.

Hope is also related to better outcomes following disasters. “A belief that outside sources–such as local community members, volunteer organizations, or government agencies–are acting on your behalf can foster hope. Hope may spring from religious faith, belief in a higher power, or spirituality. Hope may also come from a general sense that things will work out well and that positive things can be expected or even predicted. The presence of practical resources following a natural disaster—like housing, food, water, and clothing–can foster hope.”

Knowing how important hope is to recovery is an excellent reason to shut down misinformation. News organizations did this across North Carolina by reporting stories that highlight the comprehensive recovery efforts, along with a direct acknowledgement that misinformation was spreading and local media fact-checked those false stories. Misinformation feeds hopelessness, whether it’s surrounding a natural disaster or an election. 

Bar associations can also assist in combating misinformation. The association can share educational resources online or via social, members can write op-ed pieces for local media, members can volunteer for civics training in classrooms or senior centers. Those in the legal profession can also model good social and community behavior. Show family and friends the power of negotiation and hearing both sides of an argument, how to take in information and analyze it for truthfulness, as well as by participating in civil discussions around differences.

Resilience in the wake of a natural disaster is not just about survival—it’s about transformation. The journey from devastation to recovery is long and complex, requiring both inner strength and external support. But as individuals and communities rebuild their lives, they often emerge stronger, more connected, and more prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead. Through resilience, we see that the human capacity for hope and renewal is boundless, even in the face of nature’s most destructive forces.

Camille Stell is the President of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services and the co-author of “RESPECT – An Insight to Attorney Compensation Plans”. The second edition is available from Amazon beginning in October 2024. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualconsulting.com or 919.677.8900.