Disaster Distress Helpline
Help is available to anyone, anytime at 1-800-985-5990.
There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane.
If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text, or chat to 988.
Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”
Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance. Skilled, judgment-free counselors are here to provide compassionate support. The 988 Lifeline is for everyone. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365.
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Please text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.
The helpline is open to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. This includes survivors of disasters; loved ones of victims; first responders; rescue, recovery, and relief workers; clergy; and parents and caregivers. You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else.
“There is no right or wrong way to feel when a disaster hits, and people will continue to experience the emotional impact long after the storm has passed,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “Helping western North Carolinians rebuild means also helping them heal – crisis counselors are critical to recovery efforts so people can get the care they need, when and where they need it.”
Signs and Symptoms of Emotional Distress
It’s normal for hurricanes to cause people to experience emotional distress. Feelings such as overwhelming anxiety, constant worrying, trouble sleeping, and other depression-like symptoms are common responses before, during, and after these types of storms. Other signs of emotional distress related to hurricanes include:
- Fears that storms may develop into a hurricane even when the chances they will are low
- Constant yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Having thoughts, memories, or nightmares related to the storm that you can’t seem to get out of your head
“Catastrophic disasters like Hurricane Helene are very unique and significant stressors for everyone—adults, children, first responders, older adults, and people with disabilities,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “Together with state and federal partners, we are creating a robust network of helpers to make sure people know the signs and symptoms of mental distress and where to get help for themselves, a loved one, a co-worker, or a neighbor.”
Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are available. You are not alone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
NCDHHS is committed to continuing to support recovery and relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, including helping people cope with the mental and emotional impacts of the storm. For anyone who needs mental health support — including just someone to talk to — help is available right now through a call, text or chat to 988. For additional resources, visit ncdhhs.gov/helene or the NCDHHS DMHDDSUS Resource Page for people impacted by Hurricane Helene.