ORLANDO, Fla. – As Florida marks another hurricane season, many residents are once again checking supplies, reviewing evacuation plans, and preparing for the possibility of a major storm.
But for some Floridians, the annual ritual comes with more than logistical challenges. Mental health experts say repeated hurricane threats can create what many call “hurricane fatigue” or “evacuation fatigue” — a cycle of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion that can influence how people respond when danger approaches.
The Emotional Cost of Storm Season
For Tampa Psychologist Dr. Wendy Rice , hurricane preparation has become second nature after 25 years in Florida.
“Preparing for a hurricane almost becomes a skill,” Rice said. “While it is terrifying and anxiety-provoking, it’s something that, in a sense, we can adapt to.”
That adaptation, however, can come with unintended consequences.
As storm coverage intensifies and forecasts dominate headlines, many people experience what psychologists call anticipatory anxiety — the stress and fear that develops before a storm even arrives.
Some residents become overwhelmed and struggle to take action.
Others do the opposite.
“Some people will minimize... they’ll think, ‘It’s not going to hit. It’s not a big deal. I don’t really need to do anything,” she added.
Why Some People Refuse to Evacuate
Emergency managers often urge residents in vulnerable areas to leave when evacuation orders are issued. Yet every year, some people choose to stay.
Rice says the reasons are complex.
For some, surviving previous storms without damage creates a sense of invincibility.
Others feel overwhelmed by the prospect of leaving their homes, gathering belongings, sitting in traffic, and facing uncertainty about what they’ll return to.
Whether it’s a new parent, a retiree living on a fixed income, or someone worried they’ll come back and find their home destroyed, Rice says part of her responsibility is empathizing that various circumstances aren’t easy to grapple with, but to help patients who may have evacuation fatigue to emotionally prepare for whatever decision they choose.
The decision isn’t always about ignoring danger. Sometimes it’s about balancing fear, finances, family responsibilities, and previous experiences.
When Warnings Stop Breaking Through
Another challenge facing emergency officials is what psychologists call desensitization.
After years of hearing urgent warnings, some residents become less responsive to the message.
“We can get immune to danger,” Rice said. “Sometimes officials have to deliver the message in a more blunt way in order for people to take it seriously.”
That can create tension between public officials trying to save lives and residents who believe warnings are exaggerated.
For example, in 2024 when Taylor County Emergency Management offered morbid advice for anyone who ignored stern evacuation warnings ahead of Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic surge and 140 mile per hour winds by telling people to “write their identifying inormation on their bodies in permament marker” -- so they could be idenitified if they didn’t survive.
Trauma Doesn’t End After the Storm
For those who suffer major damage, the emotional impact can last long after skies clear.
Lost homes, insurance battles, rebuilding delays, and financial stress can all contribute to anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Rice explained one of the most important factors in recovery is community support.
“So much of what helps people recover is community support and friends and people chipping in and saying, ‘We’ll help you get started. We’ll support you. You’re not alone.’”
She notes that people who experience major losses often withdraw from others, making it even more important for friends, family, and neighbors to reach out.
Finding the Balance Between Feelings and Facts
When helping clients navigate hurricane fears, Rice tells News 6 she focuses on validating their emotions while also encouraging practical planning.
She draws from a concept known as “wise mind,” which combines emotional awareness with rational decision-making.
“We want to listen to your feelings, but we also want to use logic, reasoning, and facts,” she said. “When you put those together, people can make informed decisions guided by both feelings and facts.”
A Reminder for Hurricane Season
Despite the stress that comes with storm season, Rice encourages Floridians not to lose sight of their resilience.
“Take steps to protect your life. Take steps to protect yourself,” she said. “If you evacuated unnecessarily, that’s okay. Worse things can happen.”
WKMG’S Chief Meteorologist Candace Campos reminds Floridians also that evacuating, doesn’t mean fleeing across the country. “Sometimes it requires moving closer to inland and out of the flood zone,” she described, noting people sometimes adopt a warped idea of how far they need to be separated from their family and valuables.
Bottom Line: Hurricane preparedness isn’t just about shutters, supplies, and evacuation routes. It’s also about recognizing the emotional strain storms can create — and understanding that sometimes the strongest preparation starts with taking care of your mental health.