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Emergencies : Mental Health
Events like hurricanes, floods and fires can be very upsetting. Anyone who is affected by a disaster may need emotional support following the event. If you are a survivor, rescue worker, friend, or relative of a disaster victim, you may also need support with your emotions. This section can help you learn more about mental health support.
If so, you may need help or support. These are normal feelings to have after a major event. It is okay to ask for help.
How to Help Yourself
If you have these feelings, here are some things you can do:
How to Help Yourself
If you have these feelings, here are some things you can do:
- Know that what you are feeling is normal, especially right after the disaster
- Talk about it. Speaking to family, friends, your church/religious group, and even other victims can help.
- Give yourself time to heal. Be patient.
- Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. There are many trained professionals who can help you.
Talk to Someone
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Red Cross Shelters have trained mental health workers on site who you can talk to. You can also turn to local churches and hospitals. Most disaster relief organizations can help you find mental health counselors.
Health: Hotlines
After a major crisis, many people have a hard time dealing with the stress. If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, call a helpline. These hotlines are confidential and toll-free. You might want to try one of these.
After a major crisis, many people have a hard time dealing with the stress. If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, call a helpline. These hotlines are confidential and toll-free. You might want to try one of these.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: 1 (800) 273-8255 (toll-free)
Spanish – 1 (888) 628-9454 (toll free)
Suicide National Hotline
1 (800) 784-2433 (toll-free)
National Suicide Hotline
1 (888) 248-2587 (toll-free)
National Youth Crisis & Suicide Hotline
1 (800) 621-4000 (toll-free)
Suicide Hotlines
Phone: 1 (800) 784-2433 (toll-free) or visit their website to find local support.
Phone: 1 (800) 273-8255 (toll-free)
Spanish – 1 (888) 628-9454 (toll free)
Suicide National Hotline
1 (800) 784-2433 (toll-free)
National Suicide Hotline
1 (888) 248-2587 (toll-free)
National Youth Crisis & Suicide Hotline
1 (800) 621-4000 (toll-free)
Suicide Hotlines
Phone: 1 (800) 784-2433 (toll-free) or visit their website to find local support.
These are some common reactions to events like a natural disaster:
These places can give you more information on symptoms, suggestions for how and where you can get help:
Symptoms
Do you have any of these feelings?
Do you have any of these feelings?
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Can’t express your thoughts well
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Hard time sleeping
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Can’t keep your balance
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Easily frustrated
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Using drugs and/or alcohol
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Can’t focus or pay attention
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Poor work performance
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Headaches or stomach problems
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Tunnel vision
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Muffled hearing
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Colds or flu-like symptoms
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Disorientation or confusion
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Can’t concentrate
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Don’t want to leave home
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Depression or sadness
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Feelings of hopelessness
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Mood-swings
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Crying easily
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Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt
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Fear of crowds, strangers, or being alone
