The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates 500,000 people, including storm survivors and the emergency workers who helped them, may need mental health services.
The department is starting a national campaign to encourage people who need help to call confidential, 24-hour help lines, 800-789-2647 for hurricane survivors and 800-273-8255, for first responders. The second number is the National Suicide Prevention hot line.
It’s common for victims of natural disasters to have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder months later, said Betsy Schwartz, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Greater Houston.
She said symptoms include anger, irritability, depression or grief that go beyond “normal” reactions. Nightmares, bad memories of the trauma or outbursts are other signs, she said. People who think they or a loved one is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder should contact a counselor or physician.
As for feelings of depression around the holidays, Schwartz suggests those suffering try to recreate some old traditions or start new ones that are not based on location or money, such as cooking a familiar meal or going to church.
“Tradition plays a major role in how all of us experience the holidays, and in this case, individuals’ and families’ traditions have probably been very disrupted,” she said.
Parents should be particularly tuned in to their children around the holidays, Schwartz said, and encourage discussion about how relatives are feeling about their situations.
Finally, Schwartz recommends that families struggling financially find inexpensive ways to mark the holidays, such as doing free activities together or making homemade gifts.
“They need to find other ways of making kids feel appreciated and special,” she said. “Doing things together as a family can be another form of a gift.”
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