Emotional recovery is just as important as rebuilding a home. After a traumatic event, it's normal to experience a range of emotions, whether about your own safety or that of a loved one. These reactions are common and valid. Some individuals may be especially vulnerable, including children, older adults, and those with disabilities. It’s important to be there for each other and seek support as needed.

Help is Available

Emotionally or mentally distressed residents in Santa Clara County have 24/7 access to free and confidential counseling services. Residents can call 855-278-4204 or text 'RENEW' to 741741 to speak with a counselor about:

• Different forms of crisis
• Emotional or situational distress
• A need for ongoing support
• Varying degrees of mental illness
• A need for general information or referrals

For additional mental health resources, please visit our Suicide and Crisis Prevention webpage.

Emotional Responses

When we experience a disaster or other stressful life event, we can have a variety of reactions, all of which can be common responses to difficult situations. These reactions can include:

• Feeling physically and mentally drained
• Having difficulty making decisions or staying focused on topics
• Becoming easily frustrated on a more frequent basis
• Arguing more with family and friends
• Feeling tired, sad, numb, lonely or worried
• Experiencing changes in appetite or sleep patterns

Most of these reactions are temporary and will go away over time. Try to accept whatever reactions you may have. Look for ways to take one step at a time. Focus on taking care of your disaster-related needs and those of your family.

Recovery Takes Time

Getting our lives back in a routine that is comfortable for us takes time. Here are some tips to help start your recovery process:

• Take care of your safety. Find a safe place to stay and make sure your physical health needs and those of your family are addressed. Seek medical attention if necessary.
• Limit exposure to the disaster. Limit your exposure to the sights and sounds of disaster, including on TV and social media.
• Eat healthy. During times of stress, it is important that you maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
• Get some rest. With so much to do, it may be difficult to have enough time to rest or get adequate sleep. However, getting sufficient sleep is important to your mental health.
• Stay connected with family and friends. Giving and getting support is one of the most important things you can do. Try to do something as a family that you have all enjoyed in the past.
• Be patient with yourself and with those around you. Recognize that everyone is stressed and may need some time to put their feelings and thoughts in order. That includes you.
• Set priorities. Tackle tasks in small steps.
• Stay positive. Remember how you’ve successfully gotten through difficult times in the past. Reach out when you need support, and help others when they need it.

When the Challenges Are Ongoing

Many people have experience coping with stressful life events and typically feel better after a few days. Others find that their stress does not go away as quickly as they would like, which can affect their relationships with family and friends. If you or a loved one experience some of these reactions for two weeks or longer, you may need to reach out for assistance:

• Crying spells or bursts of anger
• Difficulty eating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Losing interest in things
• Fatigue
• Feeling guilty, helpless, or hopeless
• Avoiding family and friends

Children and Disasters

When disaster strikes, a child’s view of the world as a safe and predictable place is temporarily lost. Children experience traumatic events differently. Experiencing a disaster can leave children feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. How a parent or other adult reacts to a child following any traumatic event can help children recover more quickly and more completely.

Because they can’t always talk about their worries, it sometimes comes out in a child’s behavior. Some may react immediately. Others may be fine for weeks or months and then show troubling behavior. Knowing what to watch for can help parents recognize problems and respond accordingly.

• They may be more agitated or act out.
• They may be clingier or cry often.
• They may need more attention or reassurance from loved ones.
• Scary memories become attached to the sounds, sights, and smells that happen at the time of the experience. Remind children that they are remembering the scary thing that happened and that it's not happening now.

Here are a few tips for talking to children after a traumatic event:

• Provide children with opportunities to talk.
• Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t have all the answers.
• Allow kids to discuss their fears and concerns.
• Answer questions appropriate for their age.