Coping with disasters can affect us in ways that we may not expect. Be sure to utilize mental health resources to help you process your experience. Reach out to friends and family members to check in with them and provide support.
Your Hope Center Eagle River Valley: 24-hour crisis line and in-person community support. Call anytime at 970-306- 4673 (HOPE).
Vail Health Behavioral Health to find a provider
For additional assistance, call Aspen Hope Center at 970-925-5858 or visit ourhopecenter.org
The Colorado Crisis Line provides confidential, immediate support from a trained professional. Call 844-493-8255, or text “talk” to 38255.
Feeling emotional after a disaster is normal, but there are things you can do to take care of yourself and others.
• Find opportunities to spend time with other people so that you stay connected (virtually or in-person if you are able).
• Check in with others regularly, even just a text can be helpful.
• Talk to a trusted friend or adviser about what you are feeling.
• Participate in activities that you enjoy.
• Take frequent breaks from cleanup efforts.
• Write in a journal.
• Exercise (indoors if air quality is poor).
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Practice good sleep hygiene.
Parents are advised to pay close attention to their children’s emotional well-being. Children may cry more, act out, have some regressive behavior like bed-wetting, or show other changes in demeanor. These are normal stress responses and are usually temporary. Reassure your children that you are there for them. Watch for physical symptoms like stress-related stomach aches and headaches. Pay attention to your child’s questions and let them know that you are there to listen. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
• Be honest with your answers to your children’s questions, but don’t provide more information than necessary.
• Validate your children’s feelings. They may be feeling scared, confused, or angry.
• Provide opportunities for your children to talk and explore other outlets for them to express themselves like drawing or playing.
• Limit exposure to media.
• Avoid irrational promises like, “This won’t happen again.”
• Maintain the same daily schedule as possible (e.g., bedtime rituals).
• Ensure that your children are eating healthy food, exercising, and maintaining healthy sleep patterns.
View Additional Resources here:
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/1096-coping-after-a-natural-disaster
It may take a while before you feel back to normal. If you are experiencing any of the following, please seek professional help.
• Difficulty managing your emotions
• Trouble completing daily tasks
• Difficulty caring for yourself or your family