Mental Health Resources and Support
A disaster event such as this historic flooding is unexpected and often brings out strong emotions. People can call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline’s toll-free number (1–800–985–5990) and receive immediate counseling. This free, confidential, multilingual crisis support service is available to anyone experiencing distress as a result of a disaster. People who call and text are connected to trained, caring professionals from crisis counseling centers in the network. Helpline staff provide confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
Available via phone call or text, 24/7/365: 1-800-985-5990
- The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) provides free, confidential crisis counseling and support to people in distress due to natural and human-caused disasters.
- The DDH is available 24/7, on all days of the year, via talk or text to 1–800–985–5990.
- The line offers support in Spanish (people who call or text should press 2 for this option) and several additional languages other than English. Español: Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 1-800-985-5990 (oprima 2 para español)
- People who are deaf or hard of hearing or who have other speech or hearing disabilities can use the texting option or, if they would like support in American Sign Language (ASL), they can call the DDH’s toll-free number via videophone-enabled device or click the “ASL Now” link at the DDH website.
- For more information please also see the Disaster Distress Helpline Summary and the Disaster Distress Brochure.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
People can call 988, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
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The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a source of support available 24/7 to people in crisis, including people experiencing challenging reactions to disasters.
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Call 988 for support in English or Spanish. https://988lifeline.org. The website is available in Spanish at: https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/en-espanol.
Resources
Videos are available in English, ASL, and many other languages on the playlists below.
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Get Help After a Disaster from Starting Over Strong Vermont (YouTube Playlist)
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Coping with Stress After a Disaster (YouTube Playlist)
Informational Flyer
- Mental Health Flood Recovery Resource Flyer (PDF)
- Flyer available in multiple other languages (Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Dari, French, Kirundi, Nepali, Pashto, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese)
Additional State of Vermont Flood Information and Resources can be found at: https://www.vermont.gov/flood