Emotions run high amid Gulf oil spill

BAYOU LA BATRE, Alabama (WALA) - The crude crisis is taking an emotional toll on people in our area from fishermen who make their living off the water, to restaurant owners who sell their catch. Mental health professionals are offering some advice.

Lunch time in Bayou La Batre means the Lighthouse Restaurant is packed. Plates piled high with all kinds of seafood are dished out, while there's only one topic on the table: the crude crisis.

"Natural disasters you can rebuild from that, replace what you can. This stuff is affecting so much. Storms don't kill seafood," said Kendall Stork.

Stork said the crude crisis is taking a toll on how easily he can get his hands on seafood.

"I can get it, but it is tough. I am going west of the river," said Stork.

It's also having an impact on the people in his beloved community. Stork's family has owned the Lighthouse Restaurant for decades. Stork took over in 1979.

"Takes a strong person to get through this oil situation. If you got bills behind you and stuff you need to pay for, it can take its toll," shared Stork.

AltaPointe Health Systems said it has seen an increase in people from the Bayou.

Dr. Sandra Parker suspects more will come in once the shock of the whole situation wears off. Dr. Parker said right now people are in denial.

"If you have trouble sleeping, or if it is affecting your daily life, you do need to come in and talk to a professional," said Dr. Parker.

Dr. Parker said even talking to a friend or neighbor can help ease the stress. She also said don't be too hard on yourself, and think positively.

"Counselors are putting together a plan just for the Bayou, to help people deal with what's happening at sea," explained Dr. Parker.

Soon, mental health professionals will go door to door to find out what help Bayou residents need.

Stork said his people are resistant and prays they'll come through this in good shape.

"If it takes a year, or two years, or ten, hopefully they get over it," said Stork.

And Stork said if he has to, he'll sell burgers when the seafood runs out.

AltaPointe Health Systems serves people in Washington and Mobile Counties. For more information please call 251-450-2211.