Coping with Disasters: Behavioral Health Resources

Coping with Disasters: Behavioral Health Resources

Disasters and their anniversaries can take a toll on the mental health of affected communities, caregivers, and first responders.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) has collected resources to help your community recover from the emotional impact of disasters:  

• Coping with Disasters Health Information Guide https://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/coping       

The guide includes links to recent additions to the Disaster Lit® database, like these resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

• Getting Ahead of the Storm: Support for Seniors, Families, and Caregivers https://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/search/id:17835
• Behavioral Health Conditions in Children and Youth Exposed to Natural Disasters https://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/search/id:17834
• Disaster Distress Helpline: Incidents of Mass Violence https://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/search/id:6974
• First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns, Emergency Response, and Trauma: Disaster Technical Assistance Center Supplemental Research Bulletin https://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/search/id:17434

If you are experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster, and need immediate help, call the SAMSHA Disaster Distress Helpline, 24/7, 365 days/year:  

• 1-800-985-5990
• Text TalkWithUs to 66746
• https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline