Crisis Counseling Can Help Louisianans Cope with Disaster-Related Distress

BATON ROUGE, La. — Recovery efforts in Louisiana continue following the historic August floods, and many survivors are still coping with the immediate effects of the disaster. While obvious problems such as home repair preoccupy some Louisianans, there is a quieter, more ominous issue that may threaten flood survivors.

Disaster-related distress is a silent, serious threat to any individual affected by a major disaster. It can manifest in the form of depression, anxiety or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the National Center for PTSD, more than 50 percent of those affected by major disasters develop some kind of clinically significant stress disorder.

Disaster-related distress is particularly treacherous because it is virtually unpredictable. While individuals with preexisting stress disorders or addictions are more likely to suffer from disaster-related distress, it can attack anyone at any time. Even individuals who show no signs of stress-related disorders immediately after a disaster may develop a condition years later.

Disaster-related distress, like any other illness, is most easily recognized by its symptoms. While symptoms vary by case and may be mistaken for symptoms of other illnesses, disaster-related stress disorders usually produce a combination of the following warning signs:

  • Headaches
  • Chest or muscle tightening
  • Fatigue
  • Inability to sleep

  • Overall restlessness

  • Uncontrollable anger, sadness or fear

  • Lack of appetite

  • Substance abuse

  • Social withdrawal

  • Suicidal thoughts

Individuals exhibiting many or all of these symptoms should seek treatment from a licensed therapist immediately. If left untreated, disaster-related distress can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and/or suicidal tendencies.

While the diagnosis and treatment of disaster-related distress may seem like a daunting process, it is not one that flood survivors and their loved ones need to go through alone. All survivors of the August flooding can take advantage of free disaster crisis counseling available through FEMA and the state of Louisiana.

The Crisis Counseling Program is funded by FEMA and implemented by the state. The purpose of the program is to provide survivors with free, local counseling services that promote resilience, empowerment and recovery.

The crisis counselors available through the Crisis Counseling Program are local people, many of whom have also been affected by flooding. These counselors are not therapists; they come from all careers and walks of life. However, they have all been trained to educate, support and inform survivors. If necessary, the crisis counselors can refer survivors to therapists for diagnosis and treatment.

Crisis counselors are available at all FEMA disaster recovery centers. To find a center near you, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or text DRC and your ZIP code to 43362. You can also find a center near you by downloading the FEMA mobile app or going online to fema.gov/drc.

For more information regarding the Crisis Counseling Program or to set up an appointment for counseling, call the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health at 866-310-7977 or the Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-985-5990.

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Crisis Counseling Can Help Louisianans Cope with Disaster-Related Distress

FEMA Approves a Second Declaration for New Mexico. This Time for September Flooding

SANTA FE – Just weeks after receiving a federal declaration, and a subsequent amendment only days ago adding more counties for July 27-August 5 flooding, a second presidential declaration has been approved, this time providing federal assistance for flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Depression Odile between September 15-26.

The new declaration makes Public Assistance funding available to eligible state agencies, tribal governments, certain nonprofits, community ditch associations and other local government entities in Colfax, Eddy, Lincoln, Lea, Otero, Santa Fe, San Miguel and Sierra counties. 

Under the Public Assistance program, federal grants are reimbursed to eligible applicants for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repairing of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities. Find details of the Public Assistance program at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.

On October 6, a federal declaration was approved for Guadalupe, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel Counties, and the Pueblo of Acoma.  On October 24, Lincoln, Otero, and Sandoval Counties, and the Santa Clara Pueblo were added to the original declaration.

“The flooding between July and September was devastating for many of our communities,” said State Coordinating Officer Anita Statman. “We are pleased that now the two federal declarations will bring much needed funding to all of these hard-hit areas.”

“This new declaration, along with current recovery operations shows FEMA’s commitment to provide funding to eligible entities in designated counties and pueblos,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper. “We are going to be moving through the recovery process as quickly as possible to bring the funds to these impacted locations as soon as possible.”

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More information on New Mexico disaster recovery is available online at www.nmdhsem.org/.  DHSEM is the state’s homeland security and emergency management agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to New Mexico by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Find more information at www.fema.gov/disaster/4197 and www.fema.gov/disaster/4199.

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FEMA Approves a Second Declaration for New Mexico. This Time for September Flooding

Reach Out For Help When Disaster-Related Stress Strikes

PURVIS, Miss. – Mississippians facing the loss of their homes, businesses or cherished possessions after the recent tornadoes may be struggling also with the emotional impact of the disaster. It is not uncommon for those living through a disaster to suffer anxiety, sorrow and depression. These emotions can emerge days, weeks or even months later.

Everyone has a different way of coping. Many find that talking about what has happened with trusted friends or family helps them move forward. Seeking and accepting help from counseling services also can be effective and health-restoring.

Brochures and other information are available at the MEMA/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, at:

  • Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg
  • Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg

Pine Belt Mental Health Resources, with offices in nine Mississippi counties, operates a crisis-counseling hotline: 601-544-4641. See the PBMHR website at www.pbmhr.com

A Disaster Distress Helpline is run by the federal government under the Department of Health and Human Services. Trained crisis counselors are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-985-5990. TTY is 800-846-8517. You can text the helpline as well: “TalkWithUs” to 66746.

You can reach the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for information and referrals to certified service providers online at http://www.dmh.ms.gov.

Some of the most common signs of stress include:

  • Difficulty communicating or sleeping.
  • Depression, sadness or feelings of hopelessness.
  • Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • Limited attention span and poor performance at work or school.
  • Headaches and stomach problems, flu-like symptoms, disorientation or confusion.
  • Reluctance to leave home (temporary agoraphobia).
  • Mood swings and frequent bouts of crying.
  • Overwhelming feelings of guilt and self-doubt.

Disaster-related anxiety can be especially acute among older adults, particularly those living alone and somewhat isolated from friends and family. It is not unusual for seniors to become withdrawn, agitated and disoriented in the wake of terrifying events. Family and others should be on the lookout for these and other stress-related problems and try to address them immediately.

Children also can be severely affected by a disaster. Some simple ways to help calm their anxieties include:

  • Keeping routines as consistent as possible and answer questions openly and honestly at a level a child can understand.
  • Allowing your kids to talk about the disaster. Listen to their concerns and questions. Let them know it is OK to feel angry or sad.
  • Reassuring them that they are loved and will be cared for.
  • Providing a peaceful household to the extent possible under the circumstances.
  • Limiting their exposure to frank adult discussions and lurid news reports about the disaster.

For more information, visit www.ready.gov/coping-with-disaster or http://www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

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Original article:

Reach Out For Help When Disaster-Related Stress Strikes

Help is Available for Disaster-Related Stress

Help is Available for Disaster-Related Stress 

Release Date: May 8, 2012
Release Number: 4059-064

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — West Virginia residents facing the loss of homes, businesses or cherished possessions in the wake of the recent storms and floods could find themselves struggling to cope with the emotional impact of the disasters.

Everyone who lives through a disaster is affected by it in some way. It is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of family and friends. Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event, and acknowledging such feelings is a first step toward healing, psychologists say. Everyone has different ways of coping, but remember that seeking or accepting help from community counseling programs is healthy and worthwhile.

Children can be particularly affected by disaster-related emotional stress.

Warning signs among children and adults that suggest the need for crisis counseling or stress-management assistance include:

  • Difficulty communicating or sleeping
  • Depression, sadness or feelings of hopelessness
  • Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol
  • Limited attention span, poor performance at work or school
  • Headaches/stomach problems, flu-like symptoms, disorientation or confusion
  • Reluctance to leave home
  • Mood-swings and frequent bouts of crying and
  • Overwhelming feelings of guilt and self-doubt.

Crisis counselors are available to assist applicants who may be experiencing emotional distress. To learn where you can get help, phone 866-867-8290. You will be referred to the nearest county Crisis Counseling center. In the Logan-Mingo area, the Crisis Counseling phone number is 304-792-7130.

For more information, visit www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/cope.shtm or www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth .

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 08-May-2012 13:22:37

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Help is Available for Disaster-Related Stress