Ep#39 Sommerville Johnston on Grief, Grounding and Mental Health After Hurricane Helene

The Discomfort Zone

In this episode, certified counselor Somerville Johnston returns to the show to do a dive deep with Anna into the mental health impacts of Hurricane Helene on their Asheville community.

They candidly explore the emotional landscape of discomfort, self-care, and survivor guilt, while underscoring the essential role of community support in the healing process.

The conversation sheds light on the importance of showing compassion—for ourselves and others—as they reflect on the collective grief that follows natural disasters.

Anna and Somerville discuss the complexities of grief and loss, emphasizing how grief is an ongoing process. They share personal strategies for coping, stressing the importance of routines, presence, and allowing emotions to flow freely.

Ultimately, this dialogue is a powerful reminder of the strength found in small acts of care and the profound interconnectedness between individual struggles and community-wide recovery.