Contact Info
Emergency Preparedness and Response
651-201-5700
Are You Stressed? Resources for People in Disaster, Emergency or Crisis
PDF version formatted for print: Are You Stressed? (PDF)When Terrible Things Happen
What Helps:
- Talk with and listen to others
- Do things that help you relax:
- Breathe deeply
- Listen to music
- Do things you enjoy like sports, hobbies, reading
- Move your body, exercise
- Eat healthy
- Get enough sleep
- Try to keep a normal schedule
- Learn what things stress you out
- Check in on friends and family
- Focus on what you can do instead of what you cannot do
- Take breaks from the news and social media
What Does NOT help:
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than you should
- Avoiding thinking or talking about the event
- Avoiding family, friends, or activities
- Watching a lot of TV, and social media
- Playing a lot of computer or video games
- Doing risky things like driving dangerously or abusing substances
Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Psychological First Aid is a tool to help people reduce stress symptoms in themselves and others after a traumatic event or crisis.
Online Training:
Phone App:
- Psychological First Aid Tutorial
For iPhone and Android
Signs of Stress Related to a Crisis
- Sleeping or eating problems
- Pulling away from people & events
- Having very little or no energy
- Feeling sore or in pain
- Feeling sad, numb, helpless, hopeless, confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried, or scared.
Warning Signs: Get Help Now!
If you, or someone you know, is talking about harming themselves or others, get help now! Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990). Danger signs include:
- Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else
- Saying things like wanting to "end it all" or "go to sleep and never wake up again"
- Giving away possessions
- Unable to perform daily tasks
- Excessive anger
- Yelling or fighting with family or friends
- Driving under the influence
- Using drugs
Having Trouble Coping After a Crisis or Stressful Event?
Disaster Distress Helpline
The SAMHSA* Disaster Distress Hotline is available for call or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is free and confidential.
PHONE: 1-800-985-5990 and press 2
TEXT: "TalkWithUs" to 66746
For Spanish: "Hablanos" to 66746
*SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Last Updated: 10/03/2022