January 30, 2026
Mental Health | Wellness

Last week I wrote about a new concept I am trying out, a Tiny Experiment. I am a little late on my goal of once a week, but this week has been flipped upside down a few times, so I’m giving myself grace and am going to keep the goal the same – I’m going to write about something that inspires me once a week, maybe more. 

Finding inspiration this week was easy. After the winter storm that Mayor O’Connell described as “the worst destruction from a natural disaster that I’ve seen the city face in my lifetime,” Nashville came to a standstill. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without power, searching for warmth, trying to keep their families safe, and sitting with the anxiety that comes with so much uncertainty.

After a few days of very minimal communication outside of my street, cell service returned and was I flooded with news of people in Nashville stepping up to help each other. Restaurants like Edley’s BBQ, Prince’s Hot Chicken, and Brown’s Diner offered free food to anyone in need, no questions asked. Waldo’s provided food for lineworkers working around the clock to restore power. Non profit organizations like Second Harvest food bank sent thousands of free meals to warming centers across the city. Neighbors opened their doors to people they knew, and people they didn’t–at one point my own neighbors opened their doors to share their home with roughly thirteen people, two dogs, one cat, and a bearded dragon. I was part of numerous group text threads where people invited anyone to their homes to take a hot shower or eat a home made meal. 

There is something special about this city, particularly in the way that the community shows up for each other. We have been faced with some tough events in the last 5 years, and every time I am in awe of how everyone takes care of each other. It is a feeling of camaraderie that is irreplaceable and indescribable, and I am so very grateful to be a part of it. 

In an effort to continue to support our community, I also want to share these helpful resources that are available to Nashvillians right now. Things change quickly, but following some of these organizations on social media (if you have cell service) is a really helpful way to stay up to date. 

Stay safe, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. 💙 

 

Mental Health

  • Signs of disaster-related stress can include:
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Disorientation, confusion, loss of appetite
    • Feelings of hopelessness or depression
  • Disaster Distress Helpline. It’s normal to feel anxiety after a storm like this. Trained crisis counselors are ready to help in English, Spanish, or American Sign Language (videophone available). Call 1-800-985-5990
  • Tips for Coping with Grief after a Natural Disaster.
  • The Happy Hour. This is not a sales pitch, we are just really ready to help in person or virtually. We also have a Grief Circle coming up at the end of February if you are seeking to process in community.

 

Ways to Help

  • If you are in a position to donate funds, The Volunteer Organizations in Active Disaster, United Way Greater Nashville, and Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee have announced the Winter Weather Relief Fund for those affected by the storm to apply for relief. If you need to apply for relief, you can find more information here.
  • One Generation Away is looking for volunteers this Saturday, January 31st to help with food distribution at Centennial High School in Franklin. All ages are welcome to help, bring the whole family.
  • Keep checking on your neighbors! And keep talking to each other. Your feelings are valid and important!

 

Food and Nutrition, Life and Safety Resources