Where to Turn When You Need Help With Stress

A natural disaster can be hard on everyone. If you are having trouble dealing with the stress, there are people who can help. Try one of the following resources:

• Careline, a state-operated information and referral service, is a toll-free phone call away. The number is 1-800-662-7030.

• Division of Social Services in your area.

• Churches.

• Division of Mental Health - Crisis counseling is available throughout the area affected by a disaster. Call your local area mental health program or your local Red Cross office to find crisis counseling that’s available over the phone. Crisis counselors are also on the scene at some shelters. Local assistance is normally much more prompt, but if you have questions involving disaster and mental health, you can call the Division of Mental Health Disaster Coordinator at 919-715-3184 or 919-733-3942.

• Emergency Management related Web Sites can be accessed through http://www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us/localem.htm

• Certified Therapists and Counselors - Look in your Yellow Pages. (It is desirable to choose a counselor who is certified by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.)

• Family Physicians - Doctors are a good “first contact” in getting help for stress-related illness or depression.

Prepared by Wayne Matthews Cooperative Extension Specialist at NC State University
9/00—JMG