May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to focus on emotional well-being, break down stigma, and support one another in seeking help and healing. This year, however, Mental Health Month hits closer to home. As many of our communities across Kentucky grapple with the aftermath of recent devastating tornadoes, the topic of mental health becomes not only timely but deeply personal.
At People Plus, we’ve always believed in the power of people—our strength, our resilience, and our ability to lift each other up in times of crisis. We also recognize that in the wake of natural disasters, emotional aftershocks can be just as real and lasting as physical ones.
How the Tornadoes Are Affecting Us
Even if you or your loved ones weren't directly in the path of the storms, it's normal to feel the ripple effects. Disasters like this can create a collective emotional weight that shows up in many ways:
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Anxiety about the future or the weather
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Grief for lost lives, homes, or a sense of normalcy
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Guilt over being spared when others were not
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Fatigue from absorbing the stress of your community
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Helplessness from wanting to do more
These feelings are not signs of weakness—they’re human responses to chaos, uncertainty, and loss.
Managing Emotions in Times of Crisis
We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can choose how we care for ourselves and each other in the aftermath. Here are a few ways to support your mental health—and that of your team, neighbors, and loved ones—during this time:
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Acknowledge What You’re Feeling
Give yourself permission to feel—without judgment. It’s okay to cry, to feel angry, scared, or overwhelmed. Naming our emotions is often the first step in releasing them. -
Check In With Others
Whether it's a coworker, family member, or friend, reach out. A simple “How are you holding up?” can open a meaningful conversation. Community care is just as important as self-care. -
Take Breaks From the News
While staying informed is important, constant exposure to storm coverage can heighten anxiety. Set boundaries with your media consumption and focus on positive actions you can take. -
Get Moving
Physical activity, even a short walk, can help manage stress and regulate emotions. It’s a healthy way to reconnect with your body and find moments of calm. -
Seek Professional Help if You Need It
There’s no shame in needing support. Counseling, therapy, or speaking with a mental health professional can provide the tools and space you need to process trauma and move forward.
Resources and Support
If you or someone you know needs support—financial, emotional, or otherwise—please visit the 2025 Kentucky Storm Relief Resource Hub from KYSHRM. It includes valuable information for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the storms.
You're Not Alone—We’re In This Together
In the staffing world, we often say, “People make the difference.” That’s never been truer than in moments like this. Whether you’re helping your team process their emotions, volunteering for relief efforts, or simply checking in on your neighbor—you’re contributing to the healing process.
As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month this May, let’s commit to not only surviving the storm but growing stronger from it. Together, we can build a more compassionate, connected, and resilient Kentucky.
With care and gratitude,
Amanda Huddleston
President, People Plus, Inc.