Five Post Melissa Techniques to Protect Mental Health  

With many persons dealing with emotional scars in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, licensed clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, Dr Marlon Simpson, is encouraging those affected to prioritise their mental well-being, by using practical neuropsychological techniques to cope with trauma, anxiety, and survivor’s guilt. 

Dr Simpson outlined the approaches in a presentation to JN Circle chapters during a recent virtual session organised by the JN Foundation.  The session, which aimed to support members of its parish-based JN Circle service groups with coping with the mental health challenges triggered by the storm, explored the topic, ‘Managing Mental Health after a Natural Disaster’.  

Describing the passage of Hurricane Melissa as “not an in-the-box kind of hurricane,” Dr Simpson said an “outside-the-box” approach has to be taken to address the emotional fallout nationally. He underscored that the hurricane has disempowered many, leaving them feeling robbed of control.  

“Our bodies may be safe now, but our brains are still telling us we’re in danger. We need techniques that help recalibrate the alarm system,” he said. 

Five Coping Techniques 

The respected psychologist outlined five science-based techniques to help affected persons regain a sense of safety and stability: 

1. Resetting the brain  

This is achieved through simple hand movements and slow, deliberate head turns.  
 
Slowly turn your head to the left, centre, and then right for two to five minutes. According to Dr Simpson, this signals to the brain that “the danger has passed”, reducing sleeplessness and easing stress. 

 
2. Journaling  
It breaks up guilt-based narratives,” he explained adding that it helps people make peace with the outcomes they could not control during the storm. 

3. Humming or soft vocalising  

“This technique stimulates parts of the brain that signal safety [and] is useful in countering feelings of loneliness or unworthiness,” Dr Simpson advised.  

He urges persons to ground themselves in the present by naming at least three things that are currently going well in their lives. 
 

“Your brain cannot always tell the difference between memory and reality,” he pointed out. “Focusing on what is true right now snaps you out of reliving the hurricane.” 
 

4. Wrapping oneself firmly in a light blanket, shawl or towel  

“This calms the ‘alarm system’ and gives the body the message: ‘You are held, you are safe’,” he said. 

For persons overwhelmed by racing thoughts, Dr Simpson recommended recording private voice notes.  
 
“It gets the worries out of your head,” he explained. “Your brain tends to exaggerate problems. Speaking to them out loud restores clarity.” 

5. Watching for subtle changes in children’s behaviours 

Behavioural concerns include reduced appetite, withdrawal, frequent tantrums, or recurring themes of “rescue” in their play. 
 

“Mental Health support is not a one-off activity but a new lifestyle we all need to adopt as we navigate the aftermath of Melissa,” he said. 

Reflecting on the session and techniques outlined by Dr Simpson, Hakeem Atkinson, member relations supervisor at the JN Group, said that the activity was intentionally designed to go beyond survivors’ physical needs to help with treating the invisible wounds many Jamaicans are suffering from. 

“The session was organised to challenge us to think differently about post-disaster healing and remind us that protecting our mental health must be as much a priority as rebuilding homes and communities. By creating this space for practical guidance and honest conversation, we hope to empower individuals to take deliberate steps towards emotional recovery and resilience,” he related.  

The JN Circle is a global network of JN members and customers who leverage the JN Group’s resources to serve as advocates and community change agents. With 17 chapters spanning all 14 parishes and active groups in Toronto, Canada, and London, England, the JN Circle continues to make meaningful contributions to community development. More information, including how to become a member, can be found at myjncircle.com.