Take care. Protect your mental health.
We welcome guests, take care of our animals and see to the animals' needs. Then why is it that we don't care for ourselves the same way? It's not okay to shrug o the warning signs.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline Toll-free: 1-800-273-8255
Contact the National Suicide Prevention Life-line right away if you or someone you know threatens to hurt or kill themselves or someone else, or talks or writes about death,
dying or suicide. Treatment Locator Findtreatment.samhsa.gov/locator/home
SAMHSA's Disaster Distress Helpline Toll-free: 1-800-985-5990 (English, Espaol)
SMS: Text TalkWithUs to 66746 SMS (Espaol): Escriba Hablamos al 66746
TTY: 1-800-846-8517 Disasterdistress.samhsa.gov Disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/espanol
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) Toll Free: 1-800-715-4225
Georgia's 24/7 toll-free line sta ed by licensed mental health professionals. Language assistance is available. dbhdd.georgia.gov/access-services
Know When to Get Help
While it's normal to feel sad, anxious or worried after a disaster, some may still feel those emotions a year or more after a disaster. If you or someone you know struggles to cope with strong feelings after a few weeks/months or experiences continued interference with normal functioning, get help by accessing one of the resources found in this business card.
Common Responses to a Disaster
YOUR BEHAVIOR Changes in activity level | Trouble relaxing or sleeping | Increased use of alcohol/drugs | Poor work performance | Di culty maintaining life balance | Loss of interest in activities you usually find pleasurable
YOUR EMOTIONS Shock/denial | Feeling hopeless Fear/anxiety | Numbness | Anger or irritability | Mood changes |Grief | Guilt | Sadness
YOUR THOUGHTS Forgetfulness | Di culty concentrating Di culty making decisions | Confusion or self-doubt | Dreams/nightmares of the event | "Flashbacks" of crisis event
YOUR BODY Digestive issues | Headaches/pain | Easily startled | Rapid heart rate | Sweating or chills | Fatigue/loss of energy | Weakness | Trembling
Know How To Relieve Stress
KEEP THINGS IN PERSEPCTIVE Use credible sources to stay informed about new information and developments, but avoid over exposure to news broadcasts of the event.
BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT RESOURCES Learn about what resources are available to aid you and others a ected by tragedy. Seek resources if needed. Contact your local community/faith leader.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who are likely experiencing the same feelings. Spend time with friends and family.
SEEK ROUTINE Maintain a normal family and daily routine, limiting demanding responsibilities on yourself and your family.
USE PRACTICAL WAYS TO RELAX Use relaxation methods such as breathing exercises, meditation, calming self-talk or soothing music. Get plenty of exercise.