Help Available for Coping with Stress
Release Date: February 13, 2003
Release Number: 3171-22
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Lufkin, TX - The emotional consequences of any tragedy can be far reaching and long lasting. Stress can surface in many forms, and may even appear weeks or months after the traumatic event.
Crisis counseling helps people deal with emotional reactions, such as sadness or anger, caused by stressful situations. Counselors can help adults and children gain emotional control by offering them coping mechanisms, including stress management techniques.
"The best way to combat stress is to take the suggestions of mental health experts," said State Coordinating Officer Duke Mazurek. "Counseling help is available for those who need it."
Here are some tips to reduce stress:
- Talk about your feelings with family and friends.
- Get back into daily routines as soon as you can.
- Try to maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.
- Try to get some physical exercise every day.
- Children are particularly vulnerable to emotional stress after a traumatic event. Reassure children that they are safe and allow them to talk about their fears.
If you or someone you know is suffering from signs of stress, you are encouraged to call your county crisis hotline number. The table on the following page includes hotline information.
CRISIS COUNSELING HOTLINE NUMBERS (available seven days a week/24hrs.)
| Center | Counties | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| ACCESS | Anderson, Cherokee | 1-800-621-1693 |
| Andrews Center | Henderson, Smith, Wood | 1-800-374-6058 |
| Bluebonnet | Williamson | 1-800-841-1255 |
| Brazos Valley MHMR Center | Leon | 1-800-282-6467 |
| Burke Center | Angelina, Nacogdoches, Sabine, San Augustine | 1-800-392-8343 |
| Center for Life Resources | Commanche, Eastland | 1-866-558-4357 |
| Central Counties | Bell, Milam | 1-800-888-4036 |
| Heart of Texas MHMR | McLennan | 254-776-1101 |
| Hunt County | Hunt | 903-457-8383 |
| The Lakes Regional MHMR Center | Franklin, Kaufman | 1-800-443-1831 |
| Sabine Valley | Gregg, Harrison, Panola, Rusk, Usphur | 1-800-937-8097 |
| Spindletop MHMR Center | Jefferson, Orange | 1-800-937-8097 |
| Texoma MHMR Center | Grayson | 903-893-0175 |
| Tri-County MHMR Center | Montgomery, Walker | 1-800-659-6994 |
Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jun-2003 13:39:11