Disaster Distress Helpline

Source: samhsa.gov

When disaster strikes, often people react with increased anxiety, worry, sadness, anger, or other strong feelings of distress. With support from community and family, most of us are able to bounce
back. However, some may need extra assistance to cope with unfolding events and uncertainties.

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the nation’s only hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 (call or text 1-800-985-5990) to residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Callers and texters are connected with trained and caring professionals from a network of crisis centers across the country. Helpline staff provide supportive counseling, including information on common stress reactions and healthy coping, as well as referrals to local disaster-related resources for follow-up care and support.

Visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline for additional information and resources in disaster behavioral health. For any questions, or requests for free copies of DDH materials for distribution in any disaster-related or other community-based setting, email ddh@vibrant.org