Current:Home > ScamsThis weatherman cried on air talking about Hurricane Milton. Why it matters.-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
This weatherman cried on air talking about Hurricane Milton. Why it matters.
View Date:2024-12-23 19:04:04
It's easy to forget sometimes that we're all human. Even weather forecasters. NBC Miami meteorologist John Morales broke down on-air as he was discussing the threat of Hurricane Milton on a local south Florida TV station. The "extremely dangerous" storm is a Category 4 hurricane expected to make landfall this week in the state.
"I apologize," he said through tears. "This is just horrific." People on social media were quick to thank Morales for his humanity. "Showing deep, emotional concern for humanity-respect, sir," one commenter wrote. Another person said: "John Morales has been with me through every big storm of my life, starting with Andrew. He is the real deal & seeing him have this reaction is quite sobering. May we all stay safe through this one."
Mental health professionals sympathized with Morales' position; being the bearer of bad news isn't easy. But they commended his bravery of sharing his grief on air, as it could help others prepare for the storm as well as begin to process grief of their own.
"We can tell that this is a man who cares about giving useful, accurate information to help others," says Kimberly Vered Shashoua, a therapist who until recently lived in hurricane-hit Asheville, North Carolina. "Not only do we trust Morales, we also get the sense that he sees what we're going through. We're not ignored. He may not know us, but he sees us."
What is anticipatory grief, or pre-grieving?
Yes, you can grieve someone before you lose them.
"Morales may be showing anticipatory grief, also known as 'pre-grieving,'" says Shashoua. "We often feel anticipatory grief imagining the death of beloved pets or family members. Morales is showing a deep level of compassion for his viewers, anticipating struggles for those in the hurricane's path."
Chase Cassine, licensed clinical social worker, says pre-grieving is nothing to shy away from. "It is a normal and healthy part of loss when we are aware of the impending loss," Cassine says. "Additionally, when faced with uncertainty and stressful situations in life can exacerbate anticipatory grief."
People can grieve all kinds of things besides loved ones – especially when natural disasters spiral into our lives. Homes, pets, everything intangible we thought we knew. It's called disenfranchised grief.
Grief is everywhere:Their mom survived the hurricane, but the aftermath took her life
Weather experts and climate grief
Hurricane Milton also comes after Hurricane Helene, which already devastated parts of the country. “Morales is having to confront the reality of a second disaster while the first one is still fresh. He is again witness to the pain of others, without a way to intervene," Shashoua says.
Many of those who work in weather may in turn experience climate grief. "Ecologists, polar researchers, and oceanographers also have to witness, again and again, the destruction of their life's work," Shashoua also says.
This can haunt them just as much as it haunts their viewers. "The mental toll could be a number of things such as anxiety, depression or even PTSD," says Raquel Martin, licensed clinical psychologist. "Many people think PTSD only occurs when you directly experience an event but it can also be the result of being consistently exposed to aversive details of an event." Shashoua adds: "People who deal with disasters often feel burned out, numb, or detached from their work in order to cope."
Important:They came to Asheville for healing. Now, all they see is destruction.
How to cope with emotions amid hurricanes, natural disasters
What can one do when grappling with all these feelings? Embrace vulnerability.
Seeing this anchor break down may help viewers to understand “the seriousness of this natural disaster and the toll it will have on people's lives," Martin says, "which may increase their likelihood of showing support, whether that is via volunteering, donating, praying."
Shashoua encourages people to reach out to loved ones. "If you don't have friends or family who you can talk to, reach out to a professional or an organization related to your disaster. Many employers offer employee assistance programs with 24/7 access to counselors."
It's easy to forget sometimes that we're all human. Remember anyway.
veryGood! (2719)
Related
- When does 'Dune: Prophecy' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch prequel series
- 4 dead, 2 injured in two separate aircraft accidents in Wisconsin
- Cardi B Throws Microphone at Audience Member Who Tossed Drink at Her
- Maralee Nichols Shares New Photo With Son Theo After Tristan Thompson Pays Tribute to Son Tatum
- Trump has promised to ‘save TikTok’. What happens next is less clear
- Peanuts for infants, poopy beaches and summer pet safety in our news roundup
- Tornado damage to Pfizer factory highlights vulnerabilities of drug supply
- Taco Bell adds new taco twist: The Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco, which hits the menu Aug. 3
- Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
- Cyber breaches cost investors money. How SEC's new rules for companies could benefit all.
Ranking
- Tennessee fugitive accused of killing a man and lying about a bear chase is caught in South Carolina
- Joe Biden finally acknowledged his granddaughter. Many know the pain of a family fracture.
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 expands the smartphone experience—pre-order and save up to $1,000
- JoJo Siwa will 'never' be friends with Candace Cameron Bure after 'traditional marriage' comments
- Young Black and Latino men say they chose Trump because of the economy and jobs. Here’s how and why
- The CDC sees signs of a late summer COVID wave
- 150 years later, batteaumen are once again bringing life to Scottsville
- First August 2023 full moon coming Tuesday — and it's a supermoon. Here's what to know.
Recommendation
-
Charles Hanover: A Summary of the UK Stock Market in 2023
-
Apple AirTags are the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon right now
-
Richard E. Grant’s ‘A Pocketful of Happiness,’ Ann Patchett’s ‘Tom Lake’: 5 new books
-
Commanders ban radio hosts from training camp over 'disparaging remarks' about female reporter
-
How Ben Affleck Really Feels About His and Jennifer Lopez’s Movie Gigli Today
-
Trader Joe's recalls its frozen falafel for possibly having rocks in it
-
150 years later, batteaumen are once again bringing life to Scottsville
-
'Haunted Mansion' is a skip, but 'Talk to Me' is a real scare