Kristin Kosyluk, a professor at the USF Louis de la Parte Mental Health Institute, emphasized the varied impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on individuals. She noted the importance of recognizing these differences to support mental health.
“We are not all in the same boat, but we’re all on the same rough seas,” Kosyluk explained. “Some of us are in kayaks and others are on cruise ships.”
Kosyluk stated that USF’s primary role is to provide tools for people to focus on their immediate needs. “We want our students, faculty, and staff to take time to focus on the present moment and their well-being,” she said. “Be present, be mindful.”
In light of the back-to-back hurricanes, USF officials are encouraging students to seek support to address stress-related challenges. The university offers various mental health resources, including the Counseling Center, the online platform Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) for self-help tools, and TimelyCare for student support.
Scott Strader, director of the USF Tampa Counseling Center, highlighted the center’s mission to help restore normalcy after the storms. He noted that their goal remains consistent: to promote student wellness through individual and group counseling, urgent care, and outreach services.
“The aftermath of a storm can be really traumatic,” Strader said. “We experience a lot of fear, anxiety, and concern.” He added that counselors will assess how the hurricanes affected students’ emotional and psychological well-being, using a trauma-informed approach if necessary.
Strader urged students to seek the help they need. “I encourage students to reach out and not just sit silently with their experiences,” he said.
Licensed psychologist Shannon Suldo noted common signs of stress, including low energy, difficulty focusing, and feelings of irritability or being overwhelmed. “Things that might be easier to let go become much harder to manage,” Suldo said.
To prioritize wellness, Suldo advised students to engage in activities that promote well-being and emotional connections with others. “It’s important to make time for a break, a nap, or a chat with a friend to feel re-energized,” she suggested.
Kosyluk acknowledged that returning to routine after disruptive events like hurricanes can be challenging, but it is beneficial. She shared that teaching in person at USF helped her feel better. “Behavioral activation suggests that doing something can improve your mood,” Kosyluk explained.
Suldo, who has been at USF for over twenty years, noted an increase in the university’s focus on mental well-being resources. “There is nothing else I wish they would offer,” she said.
Kosyluk pointed out the challenge of negative stereotypes surrounding mental health, such as “negative incompetence.” She believes that open discussions about mental health among faculty, staff, and students can encourage others to seek help. “Talking openly sends a message that it’s okay to get help,” she said.
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