A study published in JAMA Network, has associated the psychological outcomes with recurring natural disasters, especially with escalated threats of climate change. The researchers proposed that repeated exposure to hurricanes whether direct, indirect, or media-based is associated with adverse mental health problems. Dr. Dana Rose Garfin, Professor, UCI, stated that with extreme climate change, climate-related natural disasters will increase in frequency and severity in the next few years. She added that the study showed that people are not likely to habituate or get used to the disasters causing a negative impact on their mental health. 

Professor Garfin and her team found that repeated exposure to the threat of catastrophic hurricanes was linked with symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, fear, and worry. These symptoms were further associated with greater social and work-life impairment including difficulty in interacting with others, performing work tasks, and other daily activities. The team came to this conclusion after assessing Florida residents for any mental health changes who survived hurricane Irma in September 2017 and hurricane Michael in October 2018. 

Dr. Dana stated that some amount of distress is common after an extremely stressful event. However, a climate-related disaster can prolong the healing process due to repeated threat exposure. Anxiety is an adaptive response to disaster and can be reduced by motivating people to take protective action and be prepared for the next event.

(Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/repeated-exposure-to-hurricanes-linked-to-adverse-psychological-symptoms-101655525809689.html )