SOME residents may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following the devastating visit of Hurricane Fabian, say local mental health experts.

And St. Brendan's Hospital psychiatrist Dr. E.K. Rodrigo and clinical psychologist Dr. Maggie Cormack have urged people to seek help if they need it to cope with the aftermath of the storm.

The doctors yesterday advised people to get back into their normal routines as quickly as possible and not to allow themselves to get exhausted for the good of their emotional health.

"When we hear the term 'post-traumatic stress', we think of something severe," Dr. Cormack said.

"But we don't want people to be alarmed. If people are feeling stressed or distressed after the storm, that is a perfectly normal reaction. It would be difficult for people to say, 'I feel fine', after what they've been through.

"A lot of people are coping extremely well. Family and friends are helping each other and many people are just busy."

And she urged people not to be shy about asking for help when they needed it.

She said: "I would advise people to share their needs with others - ask your friend for a shower if you need one, ask your neighbour if you can eat a meal with them, or talk to someone if you have a lot on your mind."

Dr. Rodrigo said he had not seen an increase in patients since the hurricane struck on September 5, but that it was too early to expect to see any increase.

"People are very resilient and have their own coping mecahnisms and thresholds for stress," Dr. Rodrigo said.

"In order to maintain these coping mechanisms, it is important not to neglect physical health. Physical exhaustion exacerbates a feeling of anxiousness and so I would advise people to try and get enough sleep, eat three meals a day, limit alcohol intake and make time to relax and do things you like - listen to music and chat with friends," he said.

People who feel they are unable to cope mentally and emotionally can call for the help of the community mental health service on 239-2261 or 236-5208.