I think it's understandable for you to feel that way. You'd almost have to be a bit nuts not to feel anxious. The disruptions to the smallest parts of your life over a long period of time would make anyone stressed out. Even this many years out, suicide, child abuse, elder abuse, etc. have all skyrocketed even in areas less hardhit than your area.

I really hope you're able to get away without having to wait for another hurricane. (I really don't want to go through any of this ever again.) It's hardest for the old people. We lost two grandparents within months of the storm. They couldn't handle the damage to their home, the uprooting, and everything else. I'm sure your parents feel like they want to be home right now, but maybe when it feels less like home you'll be able to persuade them that home means the people, not the geography.

I imagine the anxiety problem would be much eased when you get out from the stressful environment. Even a trip away will do you good. October seems far away now, but it will be here pretty soon.

Thanks for the information for my mother. She's not well right now, but as soon as she's better I'll pass it on to her. She's pretty depressed herself and could use a little hope.

The volunteers have been great, haven't they? It's one of those things that make me feel warm inside.

Dinah