Stress, anxiety, stomach ache, headache, anger, sadness all of these are indicators of the emotional distress that we may feel as we struggle to make sense out of senseless acts like the Boston Marathon bombing. And for those of us already coping with chronic pain conditions, the added stress and other normal responses to abnormal acts can make the pain worse.
Free confidential counseling is available around the clock at the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990). Or text TalkWithUs to 66746. The Helpline’s TTY for deaf and hearing impaired can be reached at: 1-800-846-8517.
Set up by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA), the helpline is staffed by trained counselors from a network of crisis call centers located across the United States.
The counselors on call can provide:
- Information on how to recognize distress and its effects on individuals and families
- Tips for healthy coping
- Referrals to local crisis call centers or 2-1-1 call centers for additional follow-up care & support.
And on Friday, April 19 at 1PM ET, you can connect with SAMSA on Twitter to discuss violence and disasters. Use #TalkWithUs to participate! #SAAM
UK Disaster Distress Helpline
If you reside in the UK, you can call UKAT, or UK Addiction and Treatment Centres. The organization is staffed by qualified counselors and recovered addicts, who will be happy to assist you. For more information, visit www.ukat.co.uk/ or call 0808-250-6245.
