Are You Stressed? Resources for People in Disaster, Emergency or Crisis

PDF version formatted for print: Are You Stressed? (PDF)

When Terrible Things Happen

What Helps:

• Talk with and listen to others
• Do things that help you relax:
  • Breathe deeply
  • Listen to music
  • Do things you enjoy like sports, hobbies, reading
• Move your body, exercise
• Eat healthy
• Get enough sleep
• Try to keep a normal schedule
• Learn what things stress you out
• Check in on friends and family
• Focus on what you can do instead of what you cannot do
• Take breaks from the news and social media

What Does NOT help:

• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than you should
• Avoiding thinking or talking about the event
• Avoiding family, friends, or activities
• Watching a lot of TV, and social media
• Playing a lot of computer or video games
• Doing risky things like driving dangerously or abusing substances

Psychological First Aid (PFA)

Psychological First Aid is a tool to help people reduce stress symptoms in themselves and others after a traumatic event or crisis.

• Psychological First Aid

Online Training:

• Psychological First Aid: A Minnesota Community Support Model

Phone App:

• Psychological First Aid Tutorial
  For iPhone and Android

Signs of Stress Related to a Crisis

• Sleeping or eating problems
• Pulling away from people & events
• Having very little or no energy
• Feeling sore or in pain
• Feeling sad, numb, helpless, hopeless, confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried, or scared.

Warning Signs: Get Help Now!

If you, or someone you know, is talking about harming themselves or others, get help now! Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990). Danger signs include:

• Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else
• Saying things like wanting to "end it all" or "go to sleep and never wake up again"
• Giving away possessions
• Unable to perform daily tasks
• Excessive anger
• Yelling or fighting with family or friends
• Driving under the influence
• Using drugs

Having Trouble Coping After a Crisis or Stressful Event?

Disaster Distress Helpline

The SAMHSA* Disaster Distress Hotline is available for call or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is free and confidential.

PHONE: 1-800-985-5990 and press 2

TEXT: "TalkWithUs" to 66746
For Spanish: "Hablanos" to 66746

*SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration