Mental Health During a Disaster
Scroll through this page to learn about dealing with mental health before, during, and after disaster, and resources that can help you through the process.
Even though we face environmental challenges every year, it doesn't mean it gets easier. Most know that you can prepare for disasters by packing 'go bags' or using clean air stations, but did you know you by preparing mentally, you can build resilience and reduce stress? If you have been impacted in any way from the fire and smoke, what you're feeling is valid and we hope that these resources offer some form of support for your psychological safety as well. If you need to, don't forget to take a step back, connect with loved ones or a professional, and know that it's okay to ask for or accept help and support.
Before disaster: mentally preparing
Disasters can happen to anyone, anytime. In this era of compounding disasters, mental preparedness is arguably as important as physical preparedness. The more prepared you are for the mental health impacts of a disaster, the more confident and clear-thinking you’ll be when the unexpected happens.
The Australian Psychological Society recommends the following four steps to mentally prepare for a disaster:
anticipate that the situation will be stressful;
identify your typical physical and emotional responses;
manage your feelings and thoughts with simple breathing and self-talk; and
engage meaningfully with at least one trusted person.
If you have experienced a similar disaster in the past, you can also use your past experience to help you be more prepared for any adverse events. With preparation and some practice, you can feel more secure that you’ll be able to cope if a disaster happens.
Remember, you have a 100% track record of surviving the most difficult times.
during disaster: Seeking help and taking a break
Following a disaster, it is normal to experience emotional distress. Common reactions include:
feeling overwhelmed;
worrying more than usual;
having trouble concentrating and making decisions;
sleep disturbances; and
replaying the event and questioning your actions.
Often when people go through a traumatic experience, they think they should be strong and soldier on. But there’s nothing wrong with taking a short break from the situation or in seeking help from your GP or a mental health professional if you need some time to cope with your feelings or want professional support.
After disaster: Mental health recovery
Here are some simple tips to help you to take care of yourself and your mental health after a disaster:
connect socially with family and friends;
return to normal activities where and when possible;
accept help when it is offered;
limit the amount of media coverage you see and hear if it is overwhelming or distressing;
understand you are not alone in your experience, and that it is ok to express your feelings;
try not to take big risks and make life changing decisions until you are ready; and
have a plan to deal with stress.
Resources
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
1-800-985-5990: SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. The Disaster Distress Helpline puts people in need of counseling on the path to recovery. Our staff members provide counseling and support before, during, and after disasters and refer people to local disaster-related resources for follow-up care and support.
Psychology Today: Find a therapist
Psychology Today lets you search by zip code or state to find a therapist near you:
Anthem Blue Cross
Anyone in California who downloads the mobile app or visits https://www.livehealthonline.com and registers will be able to visit with a doctor at no charge by selecting the practice portal, Natural Disaster Relief. The no cost visit offer will be available through the California State of Emergency.