Publications on Mental Health & Disaster Issues

For Responders:

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A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professions [HTML]
This guide provides a framework for stress management strategies for crisis response workers and managers.
Communicating in a Crisis: Risk Communications Guidelines for Public Officials [HTML]
This brief primer provides skills and techniques for clear, effective crisis communications and information dissemination to the public and media in emergency situations.
Developing Cultural Competence in Disaster Mental Health Programs [HTML]
This guide helps disaster mental health providers and workers meet the unique cultural needs of individuals and communities affected by a disaster.
Disaster Counseling [HTML]
This resource is filled with nuts-and-bolts suggestions for disaster workers who are assisting disaster survivors.
Disaster Mental Health: Crisis Counseling Programs for the Rural Community [HTML]
This guide is a resource for those who play a role in providing crisis counseling services after a disaster in a rural area.
Field Manual for Mental Health and Human Service Workers in Major Disasters [HTML]
This pocket reference guide provides specific and practical suggestions for mental health workers and other human service providers who assist survivors following a disaster.
Managing Stress: Tips for Emergency and Disaster Response Workers [HTML]
This brochure provides an overview of the signs of stress and strategies for managing and alleviating stress.
Mental Health All-Hazards Disaster Planning Guidance [HTML]
This guide helps identify disease outbreaks, integrate physical and mental health responses, and conduct epidemiological surveillance.
Psychological First Aid for First Responders [HTML]
This brochure provides information on promoting a safe and calm environment for people during and after a disaster.
Psychosocial Issues for Children and Families in Disasters: A Guide for the Primary Care Physician [HTML]
This manual assists primary health care providers to better prepare, assess, and treat children and their families in the event of a disaster.
Tips for Emergency and Disaster Response Workers: Managing and Preventing Stress [HTML | PDF]
This fact sheet provides a framework for workers and organizations to anticipate stressors and shape responses.
Tips for First Responders: Possible Alcohol and Substance Abuse Indicators [HTML]
This fact sheet provides warning signs associated with alcohol and drug addiction and other physical and mental disorders.

For Adults:

After a Disaster: Self-Care Tips for Dealing with Stress [HTML]
This fact sheet helps those affected by disasters understand what has happened, recognize signs of a need for stress management assistance, and learn ways to ease stress.
After a Disaster: What Teens Can Do [HTML]
This fact sheet helps teens understand their reactions to a disaster and find ways to ease the unfamiliar feelings that arise as a result of the event.
Anxiety Disorders: How to Deal with Grief [HTML]
This fact sheet provides information on grief and how to deal with it.
Recovering Your Mental Health: Dealing with the Effects of Trauma: A Self Help Guide [HTML]
This guide describes simple and safe steps individuals can take to begin healing from the effects of trauma.
SAMHSA Web Resources At-a-Glance [HTML]
This brochure provides information about SAMHSA mental health and substance abuse information clearinghouses, treatment facilities locators, and hotlines.
Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life [HTML]
This fact sheet provides information on the signs of stress and strategies for relief.

For Families:

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents [HTML]
This fact sheet defines anxiety disorders, identifies warning signs, discusses risk factors, describes the types of help available, and provides suggestions on what parents and other caregivers can do.
Helping Children Cope with Fear and Anxiety [HTML]
This resource suggests ways parents can help their children cope with fear and anxiety after a tragic event.
Major Depression in Children and Adolescents [HTML]
This fact sheet describes depression and its signs, identifies the types of help available, and provides suggestions on what parents and other caregivers can do.
Reaction of Children to a Disaster [HTML]
This fact sheet explains how children of various age groups typically react to a disaster.
Tips for Talking to Children in Trauma: Interventions at Home for Preschoolers to Adolescents [HTML | PDF]
This fact sheet suggests activities arranged by age group to help children share recovery feelings and experiences at home.
Suicide Warning Signs [HTML | PDF]
Señales de Suicidio [HTML | PDF]
Quick Guide to SAMHSA Resources [PDF]
This booklet provides detailed information about services and resources available through SAMHSA.

For Older Adults:

Older Adults [HTML]
This resource provides assistance for older adults who are attempting to understand a disaster.
Psychosocial Issues for Older Adults in Disasters [PDF]
This guide helps disaster mental health and human service workers, service providers, program planners, administrators, and caregivers respond appropriately to the needs of older adults in times of disaster.

For Schools:

Tips for Talking to Children After a Disaster: A Guide for Parents and Teachers [HTML | PDF]
This fact sheet explains how preschool-aged, adolescent, and young children may respond to a disaster and provides tips to help parents talk with their children after a disaster.