The Infinite Mind

Churches battling post-Katrina depression

"We always believe the word of God can help in all situations. But also there are times when people have psychological issues, and we need to make referrals."

By Russell McCulley  |  August 13, 2006

NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - African-American ministers, accustomed to providing spiritual guidance to their congregations, are helping members cope with serious mental and emotional disorders nearly a year after Hurricane Katrina hit.

"It is, at times, overwhelming," said Rev. Larry Campbell, assistant pastor of Israelite Baptist Church in the Central City neighborhood. He has counseled worshipers with substance abuse problems and suicidal thoughts, referring some to mental health professionals, when possible.

"There's a sense of hopelessness as it relates to, 'When are we going to get this city back to where it was?"'

A church which collapsed in the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina rests on street corner in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans on November 15, 2005. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson)

Post-Katrina depression triples New Orleans suicide rate

by Matthew Penix
07/03/2006

The annual suicide rate has increased from nine per 100,000 before the storm to more than 26 per 100,000 after Katrina.

Shauna James stood trembling in the kitchen before hanging up the phone. Her mind raced. Her body shivered. Was it true?

She finally slid down the wall to the tile floor where she huddled in a ball crying for more than an hour. A colleague, in deep depression after Hurricane Katrina, had taken his own life.

“I just don’t know what to say,” James said. “This world has messed with us all.” 

Her story reflects one of more than 30 suicides in the New Orleans area post-Katrina. Suicide rates have nearly tripled in the 11 months since the Crescent City levees broke, and experts say New Orleans is experiencing an epidemic of depression and post-traumatic stress that crosses all socio-economic lines.

Dr. Jeffrey Rouse, the deputy New Orleans coroner dealing with psychiatric cases, estimates the annual suicide rate at less than nine per 100,000 residents before the storm. It’s since increased to more than 26 per 100,000, he said.

LA Governor: Katrina victims 'nearly forgotten'

(CNN) -- Nearly three months after Hurricane Katrina forced tens of thousands from their homes, bureaucracy is creating a new tide of trouble for victims of the storm.

"We feel like we are citizens of the United States who are nearly forgotten," said Democratic Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco.

"It is a very frustrating thing. People are weary. They want to move on ... It's going to take us a while. And we still need help from Washington."

"Mental Care: Katrina Fallout." The Infinite Mind on the editorial page.

"After the Hurricanes, the Inner Storm for Children," New York Times 9/27/05

New "Pediatrics" journal study finds children are "exceptionally vulnerable," and need "to have hope."

"Storms' Collateral Damage: Thousands at risk for long-term disorders; 2300 children missing or searching for families" - USA Today

"Despair among some Katrina survivors. Some say it's more difficult now than immediately after storm." - Associated Press 9/23/05

Emergency meds.

Alabama Governor Riley gives pharmacists OK to make emergency refills to avert medication crisis.

Texas pharmacists to offer evacuees up to 30 days of emergency medication without prescription.

Will other states follow? 

Federal mental health funding still facing cuts despite Katrina.

Word from the Bazelon Center is Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) have joined to press for an indefinite delay to the $10 billion in budget cuts to Medicaid at a time when mental health services are critical.