The Effects of Hurricane Helene on Mental Health and Physical Activity

Hurricane Helene brought widespread damage to Southern Appalachia, disrupting utilities, health care, and recreation. While natural disasters are linked to declines in mental and physical health, few studies have examined their effects on distinct types of physical activity (PA).

This study evaluated the effects of Hurricane Helene on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology, and intentional (exercise for health benefits) and incidental (physical labor or transportation) PA. Evacuation status influence was also explored.

Twenty participants completed assessments four weeks before (BASE), immediately after (0POST), and four weeks after landfall (4POST). Measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). PA was assessed via activity recalls.

PSS and PHQ-9 increased from BASE to 4POST (p = 0.002, p = 0.017; respectively). Overall PA levels remained stable, but incidental PA increased at 0POST among non-evacuated individuals (p = 0.002). Time evacuated negatively predicted hyperarousal (p = 0.007) and PSS change (p = 0.006). Baseline stress positively predicted intentional exercise at 0POST (p = 0.008), while higher PQH-9 at 4POST predicted reduced intentional exercise (p = 0.038).

Hurricane Helene increased psychological distress in a rural Appalachian population. While incidental PA increased immediately post-Helene in non-evacuated individuals, it may have exposed them to ongoing stressors. Evacuation status influenced mental health outcomes, suggesting non-evacuated individuals may face greater psychological risks. Recovery efforts in Appalachian communities should prioritize mental health support, promote exercise behaviors, and ensure infrastructure for safe evacuation.