Disaster trauma and mental health
The Hurricane Ian Show is working with United Survivors Disaster Relief to offer mental health resources to storm survivors and first responders. Disaster Trauma is being studied so we can learn how to respond to mental and emotional needs after a catastrophe. USDR and the Hurricane Ian Show are on the frontlines of this battle, drawing attention to the health struggles affecting many people, especially those affected by Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida.
Free resources
Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7/365 national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to a natural or human-caused disaster. Tollfree, multilingual.
988 Suicide and Crisis lifeline - Dial 988
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. 988 Lifeline
Have a Problem With Alcohol? There is a Solution.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem. Visit AA.org for more info.
Struggling with Substance Abuse?
If you’re an addict, NA can help. "Narcotics Anonymous offers recovery to addicts around the world. We focus on the disease of addiction rather than any particular drug. Our message is broad enough to attract addicts from any social class or nationality. When new members come to meetings, our sole interest is in their desire for freedom from active addiction and how we can be of help. Visit https://na.org/ to find a local meeting to attend.
FEMA Hurricane Ian Mental Health Resources
Hurricane Ian has added a new level of uncertainty and frustration to the lives of storm survivors in Florida. While coping with this stress, it is important to check on the emotional wellbeing of yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors. This is a list of available resources that may help.
American Red Cross
Opioid Use Disorder & Suicide
In 2017, it was estimated that opioids were involved in over 40% of suicide and overdose deaths. Individuals with OUD have 13 times higher risk for suicide than for those without OUD.
In 2019, nearly 50,000 people died of an opioid overdose in the United States. Similarly, close to 50,000 Americans died by suicide in 2018.
The suicide rate in the U.S. population is 14 out of every 100,000, while the suicide rate among people with OUD is a staggering 86.9 out of every 100,000. OUD raises the risk of suicide by nearly a third in men and more than doubles it for women.
