As part of the public service system in Mecklenburg County, Area Mental Health provides help before (preparation), during (response) and after (recovery) disasters.
The materials and information provided here may be helpful in preparing for and dealing with the emotional impacts of all kinds of disasters. If you need emotional support, please call MeckLINK at 704-336-6404.
Disasters may include:
- natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and tornados, wildfire, earthquakes and other damaging storms,
- pandemic influenza and
- coping with aftereffects of man-made disasters connected with terrorism and bioterrorism.
Sometimes just the threat of something happening can create stress.
Adults often begin to restore their emotional well-being by paying attention to their feelings and reaching out to others.
Children need to be given the chance to talk about what happened and their feelings about it. Taking positive action in some way can also help.
Stress symptoms are normal reactions to tragic situations. Stress symptoms will likely diminish over a brief period of time. Learn
how to manage stress after a disaster.
Expect a normal recovery.
What You Can Do?
Disaster Preparedness
You know a disaster is coming or you like to be prepared, just in case. You can prepare physically and emotionally for disasters to reduce the negative impact it will have on you and your family.
Coping with Disasters
There are activities you can do that will reduce stress during and after a disaster. Reducing stress can lessen the longer term impact of the disaster on you and your family.
Recovering from Disaster
What is the usual process of recovery after a disaster? What can you expect and when do you need to seek additional help?
What Can Kids Do?
Children and Teens can take action to help themselves with the impacts of a disaster. We have tips provided in multiple languages.
Coping in Unsettling Times - Tips for Students
Also available in Spanish | Arabic | Farsi | Korean | Chinese | Urdu | Vietnamese
What Can Parents Do?
Parents and caregivers can play a key role in helping children to cope with the emotions triggered by a disaster. There are tips and activities to help you.
List the links in the What Can Parents Do Folder (21)
What Can Teachers Do?
Teachers play a key role in children’s lives and can help children and teens to prepare for disasters and to cope with the effects of a disaster.
What Can Professionals Do?
Professionals will find many booklets and manuals available to increase their skills in disaster response through SAMHSA. First Responders also need help to cope with their experiences during and after a disaster. Resources for professionals include: