MASON CITY, Iowa - Images of summer that many will never forget, and that some just wish they could still linger on. For some people in the area, those memories are taking their toll.

"They're reporting nightmares," said Pat Wilson, a Social Worker as Mercy Medical Center North Iowa's Behavioral Services Department. "They're reporting not wanting to leave home because they're afraid if they come back home, their house will be gone."

Wilson says she sees many who are still suffering emotionally from recent disasters.

"Those trinkets and mementos that they left are gone, and so, there's not the memories, it's like losing their lives without actually losing their lives."

And the stress of trying to recover in itself is causing grief. Enough grief to leave many looking for help.

"MEDICAID numbers are up, and we are searching for the reason," said Roger Munns from the Iowa Department of Human Services in Des Moines. "It's very likely that the floods played at least a part role in the increased numbers."

"It makes us feel depressed, and it makes us feel sad, and if people aren't able to resolve those on their own, then talking about it is an important thing," said Wilson. 

Because just talking about it may be just what the doctor ordered.

"Just talk about some stress management techniques and talk about how we can better take care of ourselves, because it's hard."