Mental Health Help Available for Coloradans Affected by Flooding

The waters are receding, but for many in Colorado, the stress and sense of loss caused by the floods have not.  

Because Coloradans experienced trauma, were displaced, lost homes or employment, and now are left to pick up the physical, financial and emotional pieces of their lives, many may be at an increased risk for suicide. Now is the time to be vigilant to the emotional needs of our neighbors who may have suffered a loss during this disaster. 

The best and most immediate resource for those in crisis is the Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1.800.273.TALK (8255). 

For the friends, families, and professionals in the lives of those in crisis, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified resources for helping victims cope in the aftermath of a disaster: http://emergency.cdc.gov/mentalhealth.

Resources include:

·        Talking to Children and Youth about Traumatic Events

·        Helping Families Deal With the Stress of Relocation After a Disaster

·        Preventing Violence after a Natural Disaster

·        Coping Tips for Emergency and Disaster Responders

·        Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters

                             

Events like the Colorado floods are reminders that continued suicide prevention education and awareness is critical. People need to know when to ask for help for themselves, and how to intervene when others need help. Communities throughout Colorado provide suicide prevention training programs, and resources like Man Therapy provide information and tools for people hesitant to access traditional mental health services. 

Learn more about suicide awareness and support resources from Mental Health America of Colorado.