In part, Mr Picou says, this is due to the nature of man-made disasters.

ECONOMIST: The Exxon Valdez

"These are independent, hard-working people, who feel that they do not need to go to a shrink, " Picou says.

CNN: In Gulf oil disaster, cameras can't capture the human toll

Steven Picou, a sociologist with the University of South Alabama, led a team studying the human impact of the spill.

ECONOMIST: The Exxon Valdez

If the people in this region are anything like those in Alaska, and Picou thinks they are, the sociologist doesn't think they're the types that will immediately seek out help.

CNN: In Gulf oil disaster, cameras can't capture the human toll