Emotional Support After A Disaster
Info taken from National Alliance of Mental Illness. A natural disaster, such as Hurricane Harvey or Tropical Storm Imelda can be deeply traumatizing for those who live through it, for those who respond to it, and for those who know someone directly affected by it. It’s critical that we take care of ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities when disaster strikes. This includes addressing mental health needs and responding to trauma in a way that facilitates both short-term and long-term wellness and recovery.
If you find that you are unable to reach your local resources, you can always contact us at NAMI Texas office for assistance. Our number is (512) 693-2000 and our regular business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST on Monday through Friday. If we’re not in when you call, please feel free to leave a voicemail for any of our staff and we will get back with you shortly.
For those displaced by a natural disaster, a helpful general list of resources – such as shelter, food, flood claim assistance, and real-time flood information can be found here. There is also information on how to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey: https://www.texastribune.org/2017/08/28/hurricane-harvey-relief-efforts-how-help/
Disaster Distress Helpline
The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a–year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Warning Signs and Risk Factors
This lists the warning signs that may come after a natural disaster for adults, teens, and first responders and recovery workers. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/warning-signs-risk-factors
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are in emotional distress, call them for free any time at 1-800-273-8255.
NAMI Helpline
The NAMI HelpLine is a free service that provides information, referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., ET. The number is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Managing Stress
Printable sheet with tips on how to manage stress during these events.
https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA13-4776/SMA13-4776.pdf
Resources for Parents: Recovery after a Flood
Includes: What Parents Can Do to Help Their Children and themselves, After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal, Tips for Parents on Media Coverage, Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents and more. http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/natural-disasters/floods#q3
SAMHSA Disaster App
Great tool for recovery responders
https://www.store.samhsa.gov/apps/disaster/
Magellan Crisis Line
Magellan has opened a 24-hour crisis line for all residents of Texas. The toll-free number to access free, confidential counseling services is 1-800-327-7451.
