Words cannot express what I am feeling at this time. I have been in a state of shock, unable to think clearly, to take action or to make decisions. The devastation from Hurricane Helene to Asheville and surrounding areas is unprecedented and so difficult to comprehend.
I am grateful that our home was not damaged by the storm and that we already have water and power restored. Our neighbors had significant damage to their home and are living with us now. We also have my husband's elderly aunt and a close friend living in our little compound. We are all taking care of each other and finding time to laugh, cry and sit quietly together.
Others have not been so fortunate and have lost everything…homes, cars, loved ones, businesses, and access to basic human necessities (shelter, water, food, power, any means of communication). At the same time that I feel gratitude, I also experience deep grief for the destruction and loss of lives and livelihood. It’s a confusing mix of emotions and leaves me even more confused with how to act or be of service amidst so much need.
Due to limited ability to communicate or coordinate, it has been helpful for me to act locally. I have spent more time talking to neighbors and finding out where I can lend a hand. I’ve collected recyclable containers and filled them with fresh drinking water to be picked up and distributed to those who don’t have access to clean water. I’ve collected books, magazines, puzzles, games and art supplies to be shared at a local shelter for the 500 residents that have no means of entertainment or distraction from their grief. It has been heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from neighbors wanting to provide help in any way possible.
Asheville Integrative Psychiatry is located on a beautiful 16 acre piece of property across South Hominy Creek in Candler. The setting is rural, remote and isolated, connected to the rest of civilization by a small bridge. This is the second time in 3 years that we have lost our bridge to a “100 year flood,” only this time, the damages are more extreme and will take a significant rebuilding effort. With the knowledge that we are only one of hundreds of bridges that need to be reconstructed in our region, I don’t know when we will again have access to our practice site. And, once we do, there are multiple trees down that will need to be removed before we can further assess damages. Needless to say, we will not be having any in person visits at AIP for some time. We are hopeful that we can offer virtual appointments to our clients and our community in the coming weeks once reliable internet is restored.
These are unprecedented times with incomprehensible human suffering and devastation to Western North Carolina. The skilled and compassionate team at Asheville Integrative Psychiatry will be working towards providing the highest level of support to our clients, friends, neighbors and community to help us all recover from this disaster. We look forward to seeing you all again in the near future. Until then, reach out, lend a hand, give a hug, listen and connect to your neighbors who need you now more than ever.
Much love,
Tiffany and the AIP Team
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