Many of us are returning to our homes after evacuating from Hurricane Irma. Some of us are still lacking electricity and running water or are engaged in clean-up efforts. Whatever your situation, it’s completely understandable to experience fear, anxiety, sadness, or shock immediately after a natural disaster. The emotional effects of evacuation, rescues, and searches can be dramatic. These effects can sometimes last for months or even years.
Following a disaster, people might lose their jobs, be displaced from their homes, or even worse. Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur after events that threaten one’s own life and the lives of their loved ones. If you are experiencing symptoms, it may indicate a more serious issue and there is no shame in asking for help.
Post-Irma Mental Health Resources
NAMI Hotline (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
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 HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, ET.
The number is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
NAMI also has a Crisis Text Line. Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
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.
