My Challenges
Our 2020 12-inch Christmas Tree. The only other decorations we put up were stockings.
The challenges
Recovering from a naturals disaster is a long, hard process. It can be years before things become "normal" again. This is mentally wearing.
I don't need help. Right?
I did not seek assistance until about three years into the home rebuild process. I had a combination of builder issues, family issues, health issues, and the death of three friends. I was not sleeping at night because I was running through builder issues non-stop.
​ The Employee Assistance Program
I contacted my company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and received help on refocusing when my thoughts were spiraling in. They helped me to separate the issues so that I did not feel so overwhelmed. It was just one conversation, but it made a difference.
Family stress
I should have sought some counseling for my entire family. After two years of living in a house with cracks all over the place, we finally started the rebuild. We moved out of the old house as my son was headed to college. We were selling some of his furniture out from under him as he was leaving.
The not so merry Christmas
When my son came back at Christmas, we were in a small rental with boxes all over the place. We never fully unpacked or decorated. We had a 12-inch-tall Christmas tree.
The mailbox that almost caused a divorce Â
My husband periodically blew up about minor things. We had one argument about mailbox placement that was so bad that to this day I will not discuss the mailbox with him. Four years later, the mailbox is still not permanently installed!
Where can you find support for disaster survivors?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990 – provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. The hotline has English, Spanish, and American Sign Language counselors. Translation services are available in over one hundred languages.​
What support does the SAMHSA helpline provide?
The goal of the helpline is to help the survivor deal with emotional distress and to develop a plan for coping. The plan can address mental health issues, financial issues, housing issues, or other needs that are causing you to feel overwhelmed. This can include referrals to individuals or organizations for follow-up support. The counselors do not provide any diagnosis or retain any paperwork.
Are there services for children?
The SAMSHA helpline is available for children and adolescents. Children respond differently to stress than do adults.
Does FEMA provide mental health support?
FEMA may provide funding to local agencies after a disaster declaration to provide short-term crisis counseling at no cost. All survivors in the disaster area are eligible for the counseling. The goal is the same as that of the SAMHSA helpline, to develop a plan to regain some control of your life.
Can you call your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for post-disaster support?
Yes. Many employers have a free 24-hour helpline through a contract mental health provider. Services are confidential. Typically an employee and family members can receive several free sessions.