Citation

Vasterling JJ. Traumatology 2008; 14(4): 21-26.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, Publisher APA Journals)

DOI

10.1177/1534765608323444

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this article, the author describes from her personal perspective the progression and range of emotional reactions of the New Orleans community to Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. The article further discusses the author's observations of the facilitators and barriers to emotional recovery that have unfolded as New Orleans continues to recover as a city. Lessons learned center on (a) the longitudinal phenomenology of emotional and psychobiological stress responses in a context in which the aftermath of the initial event is characterized by a set of pronounced and enduring stressors and (b) the value of institutional and social support networks in confronting and overcoming these challenges.