PTSD
We went out for coffee and reading last night to the Fair Grinds since CC’s on Esplanade is open only till 3PM post-storm. We ran into friends and one spoke about trying to apply for a grant for a mental health facility. Their first angle was we are a city all suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) from Katrina and that Gustav just reopened old wounds so we are ripe for some assistance.
We’re all in need of assistance. I’ve had a low grade depression working since returning from Atlanta – hell, it probably started in Atlanta but I recognized it more as low grade anxiety there. It’s about uncertainty versus routine, about your own happiness measured against other’s misery, it’s about exposing the rawness of those close to you, as well as about the rawness inside of yourself.
My soothing balm was getting the house in order when we got back (T and I share an uncanny organizational trait along with a desire for neatness, order, etc) and jumping back into routine.
Order has its merits. But accepting and embracing chaos is truly the journey we are on down here in the Gulf South. We are shaken out of ourselves every time a new storm challenges us and yet, we choose to cling to New Orleans like ivy to the vine.
For those who don’t understand this, who can’t fathom the why of this, it just is what it is.
September 10th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Hey, is the only reason you come to Fair Grinds is because CC’s is closed? Sorry we your second choice, but happy we were there for you, after all in N.O. the coffeehouse is often your only mental health facility!
September 10th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I love your coffee shop but when I bring my dog (aptly named Loca), it is better to be outside on Esplanade with wide berth. I think you have superior coffee and you are a community leader and value you and your coffee shop.