On Friday, May 16th, 2025, a tornado tore through Clayton and parts of St. Louis with a force we rarely see. Lives were changed in an instant. Some lost homes, some lost businesses, and tragically, some lost loved ones. As a therapist who lives and works in this community, I want to speak about what comes next, emotionally, mentally, and as we try to find our footing again.
The Invisible Impact
In the days after a disaster, most of the focus is on physical recovery, clearing debris, assessing damage, filing insurance claims. But what’s harder to see is the emotional debris we’re carrying inside. You might be having trouble sleeping. Perhaps you can’t stop replaying the sirens, the wind, or that phone call you never want to relive. You might feel numb. Or angry. Or inexplicably guilty for being okay when others weren’t.
All these responses are normal. But normal doesn’t mean easy.
Trauma Isn’t Always Obvious
Not everyone directly in the tornado’s path will feel traumatized, and some who were miles away may feel deeply shaken. Trauma is about how your brain and body process what happened, not just what happened to you.
If you’re noticing:
- Racing thoughts or anxiety that won’t settle
- Irritability or sudden mood swings
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling detached from people or places you used to love
- Avoiding reminders of the storm
…you’re not broken, and you’re not alone.
Please, Talk About It
Therapy isn’t just for those “not coping well.” It’s for anyone who wants support, especially during times of collective grief and crisis. You don’t need to have lost your home to deserve help. Surviving is enough.
There are incredible resources available/accessible right now:
For Immediate Emotional Support
- Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990 (Available 24/7)
- Behavioral Health Response (BHR)- Call 314-469-6644 or text “TALK” to 31658
Local Counseling Options
- Greenway Therapy- Clayton, Mo 800-353-6402
- Provident Behavioral Health – 314-533-8200
- People’s Health Centers – 314-367-7848
If You Need More Than Emotional Support
You may also need help with housing, food, or financial recovery. Some resources include:
- United Way 2-1-1 – Dial 211 for help finding food, shelter, or financial support
- American Red Cross- (St. Louis Chapter) 314-516-2800
- Louis Tornado Relief Hub- stlouis-mo.gov/government/recovery
As a Therapist, Here’s What I Want You to Know
We all heal differently. Some of you might be craving connection. Others need quiet. Some are taking action and volunteering; others are barely getting out of bed. There’s no “right” way to process this. But one thing is certain: healing doesn’t happen in isolation.
You don’t have to carry this alone. Whether you talk to a counselor, a friend, or a support group, the act of putting words to your experience can be healing, and therapy can be a place to make sense of the chaos. You don’t have to fix it all at once.
You Are Not Alone
What happened to our city was sudden and devastating. But we are not powerless in the aftermath. In fact, some of our greatest strength will come from how we care for each other and how we care for ourselves.
So, if you’ve been trying to be “strong” for everyone else, take a breath. Let someone be strong for you, too. There’s no shame in needing help. There’s only bravery in asking for it.
And if you’re not ready to talk yet, that’s okay. Just know that when you are, we’re here.
With care,
Megan Wooten is a Provisionally Licensed Counselor at Greenway Therapy . Learn more about her on her BIO page.
