HURRICANES AND MENTAL HEALTH A FAMILY GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AFTER THE STORM

HURRICANES AND MENTAL HEALTH A FAMILY GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AFTER THE STORM

HURRICANES AND MENTAL HEALTH A FAMILY GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AFTER THE STORM Hurricanes are a familiar threat to residents of the Gulf Coast region. Each year, from June through November, Gulf Coast families and individuals brace themselves for the possibility of a powerful storm. When a hurricane does strike, it can have a lasting effect on the entire community. Along with its physical impact, a hurricane can take a heavy toll on the mental and emotional well-being of adults and children alike. THE HURRICANE EXPERIENCE A hurricane, like other disasters, can be a terrifying ordeal. Even days before a storm comes ashore, families can experience significant emotional distress. Making preparations to weather a hurricane or to evacuate can heighten fear and anxiety. Once a storm hits, a family may face any number of distressing circumstances - from the loss of electricity to property damage to a shortage of food or water. This guide presents an overview of a hurricane s potential impact on mental health and provides information on what families can do to help themselves and others emotionally cope after a storm.

RECOGNIZING TRAUMATIC STRESS The emotional impact of a hurricane can linger long after it has passed. Some people are able to recover quickly from a disaster, thanks to natural support systems such as their family, friends or faith community. For others, though, recovering from a hurricane can prove more challenging. Experiencing a hurricane can sometimes result in a condition called traumatic stress. Common symptoms include: Disorientation (feeling dazed, suffering memory loss) Depression (persistent hopelessness or despair, withdrawal from others) Anxiety (constantly on edge, restlessness, obsessive fear of another disaster) Problematic use of alcohol or drugs Suicidal or homicidal thoughts or plans Mental illness (hearing voices, seeing visions, delusional thinking) Domestic violence, child abuse or elder abuse PERSONS MOST AT RISK OF DISTRESS Certain individuals and groups are more vulnerable to high levels of distress after a disaster. They include: Infants, children and seniors Persons who have mobility-impairment, mental illness or a prior history of trauma Persons who are homeless or unemployed Human service, healthcare and disaster relief workers Immigrants and non-english speakers Individuals exhibiting any of the above symptoms are encouraged to seek help from a mental health professional. A licensed therapist can help identify and address mental health issues early, which is key to preventing more serious problems.

TRAUMATIC STRESS IN CHILDREN During a hurricane, children may experience dangerous or frightening situations first-hand or may be exposed to disturbing images through media storm coverage. Trauma can result from children fearing for their own safety or the well-being of family and friends or from suffering the loss of people, pets or property. A child s response to trauma often varies with age. After a hurricane, children of all ages may experience difficulty sleeping, persistent fear or sadness, physical pains such as head or stomach aches or behavioral problems. The following are symptoms of trauma common to specific age groups: PRE-SCHOOL (Ages 5 and under) Fear of separation from parents Increased aggressiveness, crying, or withdrawal Inability to comfort themselves Acting out fears in their play (playing hurricane ) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Ages 6-11) A return to behaviors shown at younger ages Worry about safety and death Showing indifference or apathy Easily angered HOW PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR CHILD The following are steps parents can take to help their child recover from the emotional trauma of a hurricane: Maintain daily routines and family rituals Continually reassure a child that he or she is safe Be sympathetic to a child s sense of loss over pets or special toys Listen for misconceptions or unvoiced fears and address them Communicate what is being done to help the community recover from the storm Get a child involved in clean-up efforts to boost his or her sense of control Continue to set firm and loving limits for inappropriate behavior Limit exposure to media coverage or conversations about the disaster WHEN TO SEEK EXTRA HELP Most children are resilient and recover from traumatic experiences with support and encouragement from their parents. Parents should note that while signs of traumatic stress may be noticeable immediately following a hurricane, they can also surface months or years after a disaster. If changes in a child s behavior are extreme or persist for a long period of time, parents may want to talk to a professional who has experience working with children and families. ADOLESCENT (Ages 12-18) Sadness, anxiety or depression Problems concentrating at school Increased conflicts at home and school Delinquent or risky behaviors

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES (continued) 4950 Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77007 713.730.2335 www.depelchin.org Mental health counseling for children and their families; parent and community education Neighborhood Centers, Inc. 713.667.9400 www.neighborhood-centers.org Information and local assistance with hurricane preparedness and recovery Asian American Family Services 6220 Westpark Drive Houston, TX 77057 713.339.3688 www.aafstexas.org Family Services of Greater Houston 3815 Montrose, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77006 713.861.4849 www.familyservices.org Mental health counseling for families Mental health counseling for families National Child Traumatic Stress Network www.nctsn.org Federal Emergency Management Agency 1.800.621.FEMA (3362) www.fema.gov National resource for information on all types of trauma, including disaster-related trauma Disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, education, and references Houston Galveston Institute and Associates 3316 Mount Vernon Street Mental health counseling for families Houston, TX 77006-3829 713.526.8390 www.talkhgi.com OTHER RESOURCES Dial 9-1-1 2-1-1 Texas/United Way Dial 2-1-1 United Way of Greater Houston 50 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77007 713.685.2300 www.unitedwayhouston.org Police / Fire / Ambulance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Resource information and guidance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Resource information and guidance for various local services, including hurricane preparedness and recovery DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are set up in neighborhoods around town to assist those who have experienced a disaster in obtaining information, shelter, food and water, and other help. Trained volunteers are available to help those who feel overwhelmed or need assistance coping. To find out where Disaster Recovery Centers are located after a storm, individuals may call the FEMA helpline (1-800-621-FEMA) or visit www.fema.gov. Local news stations also distribute DRC location information via broadcasts and on their websites (abc13.com, khou.com, click2houston.com). Disaster Recovery Centers are usually set up in locations such as libraries, churches, community centers and schools.

POINTS OF DISTRIBUTION Points of Distribution (POD) are set up in neighborhoods around town to provide necessary resources such as food, water and ice. To find out where Points of Distribution are located after a disaster, individuals may call the FEMA helpline (1-800-621-FEMA) or visit www.fema. gov. Local news stations also distribute POD location information via broadcasts and on their websites. Points of Distribution can be set up at community centers, schools, churches and even parking lots. FEMA INFORMATION NOTES AND RECORDS In the aftermath of a disaster, families may find it difficult to keep track of information they need or actions they must take to get appropriate help. Whether filing insurance claims, applying for disaster relief or scheduling appointments with a doctor or counselor, families may find it helpful to record the steps they are taking toward recovery. Families are encouraged to use the following blank pages as a place to log important information, notes and records. Residents of a community or region that has been declared a natural disaster area may qualify for financial assistance. To apply for aid, residents should call the FEMA application line (1-800-621-3362) or apply online at www.fema.gov. Applicants should have the following information available: Social Security number Address and zip code of damaged property Current mailing address Telephone numbers where one can be reached Household income information

NOTES AND RECORDS

NOTES AND RECORDS ABOUT DEPELCHIN CHILDREN S CENTER is committed to meeting the needs of Houston s children as the largest, most comprehensive provider of mental health, prevention and early intervention, and foster care and adoption services. Caring for more than 20,000 children and their families each year, DePelchin offers a range of services including counseling, psychiatry, residential treatment, programs for at-risk youths, parent education, foster care and adoption. Today, more than 30 different programs are available to children and families at schools, community sites and in their homes as well as at the main Houston campus and five satellite offices. The center continues to be recognized at the state and national level for its cutting-edge programs, including being awarded an esteemed federal grant as a leading child trauma expert in Texas. A non-profit organization serving Houston since 1892, DePelchin gratefully receives its support from government grants and fees, United Way agencies, corporations, foundations and individuals.

4950 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77007 713.730.2335 www.depelchin.org OUR VISION We envision a world in which every child is safe and healthy. OUR MISSION We strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.