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Missouri Flooding also causing Emotional Distress 

The recent flooding has caused many individuals to experience emotional distress.  In these circumstances, feeling unprepared, overwhelmed and confused is normal; however, if these emotions over time interfere with your ability to do regular, daily activities, please seek assistance.    The Department of Mental Health reminds Missourians that help is available by contacting the Disaster Distress Helpline: Disaster Distress Helpline
Phone: 800/985-5990 Text: “TalkWithUs” to 66746

The Helpline can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic incident, including the historic rains, flooding and river crests in the state. Individuals are connected to trained and caring professionals from crisis counseling centers. The Helpline staff provides free, confidential counseling, multilingual referrals, and other needed support services.

Flooding can also cause feelings of isolation due to telephone or power outages, road closures, event cancellations or separation from friends or family members.  Returning to a home, business, school, or place of worship impacted by a flood may cause additional distress, especially if there is structural damage. Simply anticipating the possibility of what could be lost or destroyed during a flood can cause people to experience overwhelming anxiety or lose sleep. Other signs of emotional distress related to floods include

• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Fearing that forecasted storms may develop into a tornado, even when chances are low that they will
• Constant yelling or fighting with family and friends
• Excessive absences from work or school
• Use or increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Having thoughts and memories related to the flood that you can’t get out of your head

For more information on coping with floods go to:  http://dmh.mo.gov/disaster/flood.html

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