Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Hurricane-Specific Information
Resources Focused On Children | For Older Adults | For Persons with Disabilities
Disaster Response | Self-Care Tips for Disaster Responders | Deployment Guidance | Acute Interventions | Traumatic Stress and Retraumatization | Compassion Fatigue | Disaster Anniversaries

Hurricane-Specific Information

American Psychological Association (APA). (n.d.). Managing traumatic stress: After the hurricanes. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-stress.aspx

This website from the APA describes common reactions to hurricane events and provides tips for hurricane survivors for understanding and coping with these feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. The tip sheet also describes how psychologists and other mental healthcare providers can help those who have severe or prolonged reactions that disrupt daily functioning.

(Also available in Spanish at http://www.apa.org/centrodeapoyo/inquietud.aspx)

APA. (n.d.). Managing traumatic stress: Dealing with the hurricanes from afar. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-afar.aspx

Individuals who are not directly and physically impacted by a hurricane can still feel anxiety and distress related to the storm.  This fact sheet from the APA provides coping tips for dealing with these reactions.

(Also available in Spanish at http://www.apa.org/centrodeapoyo/lidiando.aspx)

APA. (2011). Tips to strengthen your emotional well-being before the arrival of a hurricane. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-preparation.aspx

This tip sheet provides ways to recognize common emotional reactions and steps to prepare for a hurricane that will be helpful in safeguarding the emotional well-being of the survivor.

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Be Red Cross ready: Hurricane safety checklist. Retrieved from http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/hurricane/resources/Hurricane%20ENG.PDF [PDF - 77.5 KB]

This tip sheet explains how to prepare for a hurricane.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (n.d.). Hurricanes. Retrieved from http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

This site describes hurricanes and what to expect and provides links with lists of what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Effects of disasters: risk and resilience. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/effects_of_disasters_risk_and_resilience_factors.asp

This page describes the effects of disasters, what might put people at higher risk of having negative mental health outcomes, and what kinds of things help people to recover more easily and quickly.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005). Key facts about hurricane readiness. Retrieved from http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/pdf/readiness.pdf [PDF - 80.7 KB]

This fact sheet lists supplies needed for a hurricane and provides safety tips related to preparing for a hurricane.

HHS, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Distress Helpline. (n.d.). Hurricanes and tropical storms. Retrieved from http://www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/disasters/hurricanes-and-tropical-storms.aspx

This site provides information about what to expect in a hurricane, tips for managing distress related to the hurricane, and resource information and the Helpline number for those affected by the hurricane to call for immediate crisis counseling.

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Resources Focused on Children

Farrell, A. F., & Crimmins, D. (2007). Coping with disaster: Helping children with cognitive disabilities. Impact, 20(1), 14–15. Retrieved from http://ici.umn.edu/products/impact/201/over9.html

This article reviews the unique post-disaster needs of children with cognitive disabilities. The article highlights common reactions of children at various developmental stages, as well as general strategies to promote coping.

FEMA, & American Red Cross. (2004, August). Helping Children Cope with Disaster. Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/children.pdf [PDF - 487 KB]

This booklet offers parents, caregivers, and other adults suggestions on how to help children cope with the effects of disaster as well as how to be prepared before disaster strikes

(Also available in Spanish at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/spa_children478.pdf [PDF - 587 KB])

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (n.d.). Hurricanes. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/natural-disasters/hurricanes

The set of web pages has information about the impact that hurricanes can have on children and tips for parents on how to help children and teens cope with emotional reactions. It links to several fact sheets, including Parent Guidelines for Helping Children After a Hurricane, Teacher Guidelines for Helping Students after a Hurricane, and an activity book called Trinka and Sam: The Rainy Windy Day.

NCTSN. (n.d.). Parent guide for helping children cope after a hurricane. Retrieved from http://www.nctsnet.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/parents_guidelines_talk_children_hurricanes.pdf [PDF - 114 KB]

This resource provides information about common reactions that children may have as a result of experiencing a hurricane and how parents can help their child as well as themselves.

Schreiber, M., & Gurwitch, R. (2008). Listen, protect, and connect: Psychological First Aid for children and parents online module. Retrieved from http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/PFA_Parents.pdf [PDF - 884 KB]

This guidance reviews the experiences of children following a disaster and provides information for parents about understanding the effects of a disaster on a child. It also provides tips to keep in mind as one helps a child following a disaster situation.

(Also available in Spanish at http://www.listo.gov/ninos/_downloads/Eschcar_Proteger_y_Conectar.pdf [PDF - 1.21 MB])

Schreiber, M., Gurwitch, R., & Wong, M. (2006). Listen, protect, connect—model and teach: Psychological First Aid for students and teachers. Retrieved from http://www.cphd.ucla.edu/pdfs/PFA_school%20crisis_ready.gov_8.5x11.pdf [PDF - 1.98 KB]

This guidance reviews the experiences of children following a disaster and discusses understanding the effects of a disaster on a child through listening, protecting, and connecting. It also provides tips to keep in mind as one helps a child following a disaster situation.

Schreiber, M., Gurwitch, R., Wong, M., & Schonfeld, D. (2006). Listen, protect, and connect: Psychological First Aid for children, parents, and other caregivers after natural disasters. Retrieved from http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/assets/0/78/1067/4357/4389/9f9cb2c0-b983-42bb-8b99-aba3b8ad74e9.pdf [PDF - 188.27 Kb]

This guidance reviews the experiences of children following a disaster and helps parents, teachers, and other caregivers to understand the effects of a disaster on a child. It also provides tips to keep in mind as one helps a child following a disaster situation.

Shapiro, L. E. (2005). When can we go home? An activity book for kids who've had to leave their homes. Retrieved from http://www.dmh.ca.gov/disaster/docs/Grants/Additional_Resources/When_Can_We_Go_Home.pdf [PDF - 2.81 MB]

This book contains 13 activities designed to help children build resilience and cope with the stress of being displaced from their homes. The activities can be modified for younger or older children.

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. (2003). Practical information on crisis planning: A guide for schools and communities. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/crisisplanning.pdf [PDF - 1.62 MB]

This guide contains the basics of crisis planning for schools. It includes checklists for mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. It indicates the importance of reviewing and revising school and district crisis plans and is designed to help navigate this process. The guide is intended to give schools, districts, and communities the critical concepts and components of good crisis planning, stimulate thinking about the crisis preparedness process, and provide examples of promising practices.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). Ready Kids Activity Book. Retrieved from http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/inschool_book%5B1%5D_0.pdf [PDF- 2.38 MB]

This activity book is designed to teach children how to make an emergency supply kit, a family emergency plan, and be ready for many different kinds of unexpected situations.

HHS, SAMHSA. (n.d.).Tips for talking with and helping children and youth cope after a disaster or traumatic event. Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Talking-With-and-Helping-Children-and-Youth-Cope-After-a-Disaster-or-Traumatic-Event/SMA12-4732

This tip sheet provides information for parents, caregivers, and teachers about what types of reactions children may have to a traumatic event like a hurricane and how to respond in a helpful way as well as when to seek additional support.

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Resources Focused on Older Adults

Alzheimer's Association. (2008). Take Care of Yourself: 10 Ways To Be A Healthier Caregiver. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_caregiverstress.pdf [PDF -175.37 KB]

This tri-fold brochure lists 10 strategies for caregivers to take care of themselves, as well as 10 symptoms that demonstrate caregiver stress.

Baylor College of Medicine, & American Medical Association. (n.d.). Recommendations for best practices in the management of elderly disaster victims. Retrieved from http://www.bcm.edu/pdf/bestpractices.pdf [PDF - 1.25 MB]

This report from the Baylor College of Medicine and the American Medical Association is for Federal, State, and local government disaster planners to promote understanding of the unique needs of older adults. It contains recommendations for consideration regarding screening, triage, and tracking, and lists ways to avoid potential harm to vulnerable older adults.

Brookdale Senior Living. (2010). Hurricane stress and seniors. Retrieved from http://www.brookdaleliving.com/hurricane-stress-seniors.aspx

This web page from a senior living center provides tips for older adults who are experiencing hurricane-related distress by focusing on six dimensions of wellness.

FEMA/American Red Cross. (2004). Preparing for disaster for people with disabilities and other special needs. Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd_all.pdf [PDF - 731.31 KB]

This 20-page booklet provides instructions for older adults as well as a preparedness action checklist, description of a disaster kit, plan for maintenance, instructions for when disaster strikes.

Geriatric Mental Health Foundation. (2009). Older adults and disaster: Preparedness and response. Retrieved from http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/disaster_prprdns.html

This guide from the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation helps older adults, their family members, and their caregivers to prepare for and respond to disasters. The webpage describes who is most vulnerable, lists actions that can be taken before and after a disaster strikes, and provides a list of resources for additional support.

(Also available in Spanish at http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/disaster_prprdns_es.html

Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Rochester Institute of Technology National Technical Institute for the Deaf. (2005). Disaster preparedness and the deaf community: For the deaf, hard of hearing and latened deaf. Retrieved from http://michigan.gov/documents/michiganprepares/DeafPreparednessBrochureNY_251575_7.pdf [PDF - 701.03 Kb]

This booklet addresses four steps to disaster preparedness for deaf, latent deaf, and hard of hearing communities, as well as what to do after disaster strikes.

National Organization on Disability (NOD). (n.d.). Prepare yourself: Disaster readiness tips for people with mobility disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.disastersrus.org/MyDisasters/disability/epips4mobility.pdf [PDF - 170 KB]

This brochure from NOD outlines tips for those with mobility challenges. It reviews preparedness, planning, and related accommodations such as special needs shelters.

Texas Department of State Health Services. (n.d.). What you need to know about...helping the elderly recover from the emotional aftermath of a disaster. Retrieved from http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/preparedness/factsheet_elderly_emotional_recovery.pdf [PDF - 149.50 KB]

This one-page fact sheet lists common reactions older adults may have after a disaster and warning signs that someone may need extra help, as well as strategies to help older adults with their special needs.

HHS, Administration on Aging. (n.d.). Post-disaster safety checklist.Retrieved from http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Preparedness/Resources_Network/pdf/Resource%20N-%20Safety%20Check%20List.pdf [PDF - 18.95 KB]

This checklist reminds older adults what to do after a disaster and how to take necessary precautions until help arrives.

HHS, SAMHSA. Center for Mental Health Services. (1999). Psychosocial Issues for Older Adults in Disasters. Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA99-3323/SMA99-3323.pdf [PDF - 244.21 KB]

This booklet gives mental health professionals, emergency response workers, and caregivers tools to provide disaster mental health and recovery support to older adults. Defines "elderly" and explores the nature of disasters and older adults' reactions to them.

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Resources Focused on Persons with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs

FEMA/American Red Cross. (2004). Preparing for disaster for people with disabilities and other special needs. Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd_all.pdf [PDF - 731.31 KB]

This 20-page booklet provides instructions for older adults as well as a preparedness action checklist, description of a disaster kit, plan for maintenance, instructions for when disaster strikes.

Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Rochester Institute of Technology National Technical Institute for the Deaf. (2005). Disaster preparedness and the deaf community: For the deaf, hard of hearing and latened deaf. Retrieved from http://michigan.gov/documents/michiganprepares/DeafPreparednessBrochureNY_251575_7.pdf [PDF - 701.03 Kb]

This booklet addresses four steps to disaster preparedness for deaf, latent deaf, and hard of hearing communities, as well as what to do after disaster strikes.

NOD. (n.d.). Prepare yourself: Disaster readiness tips for people with mobility disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.disastersrus.org/MyDisasters/disability/epips4mobility.pdf [PDF - 170 KB]

This brochure from NOD outlines tips for those with mobility challenges. It reviews preparedness, planning, and related accommodations such as special needs shelters.

NOD. (n.d.). Prepare yourself: Disaster readiness tips for people with sensory disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.disastersrus.org/MyDisasters/disability/epips2sensory.pdf [PDF - 155.84 KB]

This brochure from NOD outlines tips for those who have sensory-related challenges. It reviews preparedness, warning and response planning, and related accommodations such as shelters for people with special needs.

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement. (n.d.). Disaster preparedness tips for emergency management personnel: Communication access for people with limited speech. Retrieved from http://aac-rerc.psu.edu/images/file/DPFirst%20respondersv_8for%20printing.pdf [PDF - 1.29 MB]

This checklist and tip sheet provides general steps that emergency responders should take to prepare to meet the needs of individuals with limited speech. The tip sheet reviews different methods of augmentative and alternative communication, including speech generating devices and personal communication displays.

University of New Mexico, Center for Development and Disability. (n.d.). Tips for first responders. (3rd ed.). Retrieved from http://cdd.unm.edu/dhpd/tips.asp

This 28-page booklet provides tips for responders during emergencies and routine encounters to accommodate and communicate with seniors, or those with disabilities and other access and functional needs.

(Available in Spanish at http://cdd.unm.edu/dhpd/images/Spanish%20First%20Edition%20Adobe%20Version.pdf [PDF - 457.91 KB])

U.S. Department of Justice. (2008). An ADA guide for local governments: Making community emergency preparedness and response programs accessible to people with disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.ada.gov/emergencyprepguide.htm

This guide provides recommendations for local governments and agencies to use in making disaster response accessible to people with disabilities. The guide also provides recommendations for creating accessible shelters and training staff to deal with service animals, medications, and communication.

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Disaster Response

APA. (2008). Tips for recovering from disasters and other traumatic events.Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/recovering-disasters.aspx

This tip sheet discusses normal reactions to a disaster or traumatic event and the steps that can be taken to alleviate stress.

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Be Red Cross ready: Taking care of your emotional health after a disaster. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240142_EmotionalHealth.pdf [PDF - 307 KB]

This fact sheet explains normal reactions to a disaster, what a survivor should do to cope, and where to seek additional help if needed.

National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Reactions to a major disaster: A fact sheet for survivors and their families. Retrieved from http://www.wipps.org/BTS/ptsd_subpages/handouts/Reactions_Survivors.pdf [PDF - 63.3 KB]

This handout provides information about normal stress reactions, other mental health problems that commonly occur following a disaster, and the recovery process.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (2008). Prepare today cope better tomorrow: Stress during disasters. Retrieved from http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/mh/PrepareToday-CopeBetterTomorrow.pdf [PDF -598 KB]

This 20-page booklet provides basic information and practical advice about dealing with the stress and anxiety that are part of a disaster.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. (n.d.).Psychological First Aid: How you can support well-being in disaster victims. Retrieved from http://www.cstsonline.org/wp-content/resources/CSTS_psychological_first_aid.pdf [PDF - 76.0 KB] 

According to this fact sheet, it offers tips on providing PFA to disaster survivors in distress to "help alleviate painful emotions and reduce further harm from initial reactions to disasters."

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Self-Care Tips for Disaster Responders

National Center for PTSD. (2007). Working with Trauma Survivors: What Workers Need to Know. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/FederalResource/Response/21-Working_with_Trauma_Survivors.pdf [PDF - 43.2 KB]

This tip sheet discusses the importance of understanding traumatic stress when working with trauma survivors.

New Jersey Center for Public Health Preparedness. (2005). First Responders: Self-Care, Wellness, Health, Resilience, and Recovery Dealing with Stress. Retrieved from http://www.njcphp.org/legacy/drup/index.php?q=node/115

This presentation covers how first responders can deal with the stress they feel while helping their communities respond to and recover from a disaster, how they can prepare for the pressure they face, and how they can help their families.

Phillips, S. B., & Kane, D. (n.d.). Guidelines for working with first responders (firefighters, police, emergency medical service and military) in the aftermath of disaster. Retrieved from http://www.agpa.org/events/clinician/Guidelines%20for%20Working%20with%20First%20Responders%20in%20the%20Aftermath%20of%20Disaster.html

This online tip sheet lists common characteristics of disaster responders, suggests interventions for working with disaster responders, and provides additional resources in working with this population.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. (2005).Leadership stress management. Retrieved from http://www.cstsonline.org/wp-content/resources/CSTS_leadership_stress_management.pdf [PDF - 69.1 KB]

This fact sheet discusses tips for leaders to monitor and minimize their stress when managing teams during traumatic events.

HHS, CDC. (2002). Traumatic Incident Stress: Information for Emergency Response Workers. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2002-107/pdfs/2002-107.pdf [PDF - 423 KB]

This fact sheet outlines symptoms of traumatic incident stress and what emergency response workers can do on site and at home to cope with disaster response.

HHS, SAMHSA. (2012). Self-care for disaster behavioral health responders [Podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/selfcareDBHResponders/lib/playback.asp

The goal of this 60-minute podcast is to provide information, best practices, and tools that enable disaster behavioral health responders and supervisors to identify and effectively manage stress and secondary traumatic stress through workplace structures and self-care practices.

HHS, SAMHSA. (2007). Tips for managing and preventing stress: A guide foremergency response and public safety workers;(HHS Publication No. KEN-01-0098R2). Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/KEN01-0098R2/KEN01-0098R2.pdf [PDF - 1.7 MB]

This fact sheet presents organizational and individual stress prevention and management approaches for disaster response workers.

HHS, SAMHSA. (2005). Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: Managing Your Stress (HHS Publication No. NMH05-0209R). Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//NMH05-0209R/NMH05-0209R.pdf [PDF - 949 KB]

This tip sheet outlines the common signs of stress so that disaster response workers can monitor their own mental health and that of their coworkers. It also provides stress reduction strategies.

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Deployment Guidance

National Center for PTSD. (2007). Disaster Rescue and Response Workers. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/disaster-rescue-response.asp

This fact sheet explains the different stressors that affect disaster response workers and tips on how to cope with stress during, after, and upon returning home from a disaster.

HHS, SAMHSA. (2005). A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professions (HHS Publication No. SMA 4113). Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA05-4113/SMA05-4113.pdf [PDF - 1.29 MB]

This is a pocket guide that provides first responders with information on signs and symptoms of stress and offers simple, practical techniques for minimizing stress responses prior to and during disaster response.

HHS, SAMHSA. (2005). Returning Home After Disaster Relief Work: A Post-Deployment Guide for Emergency and Disaster Response Workers (HHS Publication No. NMH05-0219). Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/resilience_resources/support_documents/postdeploy/families_nmh05-0220.html

This guide is intended to assist deployed employees when they are transitioning back into their regular work situations following deployment.

HHS, SAMHSA. (2005). Returning Home After Disaster Relief Work: A Post-Deployment Guide for Supervisors of Deployed Personnel (HHS Publication No. NMH05-0218). Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/resilience_resources/support_documents/supervisorhome/returninghome_brochure_supervisors.html

This guide is intended to assist supervisors in transitioning deployed employees back into their regular work situations.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. (2004, summer). Becoming a couple again: How to create a shared sense of purpose after deployment. Retrieved from http://fhp.osd.mil/pdhrainfo/media/Courage_to_Care.pdf [PDF - 666 KB] 

This tip sheet contains information for a family reuniting after a member returns home from deployment.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. (2006). Natural Disasters: Optimizing Officer and Team Performance. Retrieved from http://www.cstsonline.org/wp-content/resources/CSTS_law_enforcement_natural_disasters.pdf [PDF - 97.9 KB]

This tip sheet is intended to help managers and supervisors manage and limit officer stress resulting from disaster response.

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Acute Interventions

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. (2005). Psychological First Aid: How You Can Support Well-Being in Disaster Victims. Retrieved from http://www.cstsonline.org/psychological-first-aid/

This tip sheet offers first responders quick guidelines for conducting Psychological First Aid.

National Center for PTSD. (2007). Early Mental Health Intervention for Disasters. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/early-intervention-disasters.asp

This fact sheet offers information on crisis intervention, Psychological First Aid, and the obstacles that prevent a survivor from seeking services.

National Center for PTSD. (2007). Helping Survivors in the Wake of Disaster. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/helping-survivors-after-disaster.asp

This tip sheet offers information on normal reactions to disasters, more severe reactions, and the goals for first responders in a disaster.

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (2005). Providing Psychological First Aid. Retrieved from http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/mhdpr/mhdpr-pfa.pdf [PDF - 40.4 KB]

This tip sheet offers quick dos and don'ts regarding Psychological First Aid and offers self-care tips for first responders.

HHS, CDC. (2005). Disaster Mental Health for Responders: Key Principles, Issues and Questions. Retrieved from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/pdf/responders.pdf [PDF - 188 KB]

This fact sheet highlights mental health-related information that will be beneficial for a first responder in recovery efforts after a disaster.

HHS, SAMHSA. (2005). Psychological First Aid for First Responders: Tips for Emergency and Disaster Response Workers (HHS Publication No. NMH05-0219). Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//NMH05-0210/NMH05-0210.pdf [PDF - 400 KB]

This pamphlet provides a brief explanation of Psychological First Aid for first responders and information for working in the field.

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Traumatic Stress and Retraumatization

Columbia University School of Social Work. (2004). Helping students cope with trauma and loss: Online training for school personnel. Retrieved from http://ci.columbia.edu/w0521/web/s1/w0521_s1.html

This online training course provides a framework for school personnel to use in understanding trauma and how it affects students and their families. Within Course 1, Part 1, titled Overview of Trauma, information is provided about retraumatization, traumatic reminders, and secondary stresses.

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). (2001). Traumatic stress and substance use problems. Retrieved from http://www.istss.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=PublicEducationPamphlets%20&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=1461 [PDF - 476 KB]

This booklet from ISTSS discusses the relationship between substance use and trauma. Research demonstrates a strong link between exposure to traumatic events and substance use problems.

(Also available in Spanish at http://www.istss.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=PublicEducationPamphlets&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=1425 [PDF - 96.0 KB])

Kammerer, N., & Mazelis, R. (2006). Trauma and retraumatization. Presented at the After the Crisis Initiative: Healing from Trauma after Disasters Expert Panel Meeting. Retrieved from http://www.witnessjustice.org/violence/docs/trauma_retraumatization.pdf [PDF - 364 KB]

This resource paper presents an exposition on the types of trauma and its cumulative and intergeneration effects. It speaks particularly to the continued retraumatization that results from experiencing a disaster.

Ochberg, F. (2005). Hurricane opens trauma wounds. Retrieved from http://dartcenter.org/content/hurricane-opens-trauma-wounds

The author discusses retraumatization of individuals living near the Gulf of Mexico as hurricane season returns a year after Hurricane Katrina.

U.S. Department of Education, Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools. (2010). Lessons learned from school crises and emergencies. Retrieved from http://rems.ed.gov/docs/LL_Vol5Issue3.pdf [PDF - 314 KB]

This publication discusses retraumatization at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) following the 2007 campus shooting of 32 individuals.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs (OAPP), Adolescent Family Life. (n.d.). OAPP adolescent trauma. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/opa/familylife/tech_assistance/etraining/trauma/index.html

This online training module, provided through OAPP, defines trauma in the context of adolescence, describes how trauma affects brain development in adolescence, and offers strategies to help adolescents avoid retraumatization and manage vicarious trauma.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (2007). Effects of traumatic stress after mass violence, terror, or disaster.  Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/stress-mv-t-dhtml.asp

This National Center for PTSD informational webpage describes the emotional, cognitive, physical, and interpersonal reactions that disaster survivors may experience and discusses the potentially severe stress symptoms that may lead to lasting PTSD, anxiety disorders, or depression.  Information is also provided about what survivors can do to reduce their risk of psychological difficulties and to recover most effectively from disaster stress.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (2007). Working with trauma survivors: What workers need to know. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/FederalResource/Response/21-Working_with_Trauma_Survivors.pdf [PDF - 43.2 KB]

This tip sheet discusses the importance of understanding different types of traumatic stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue when working with trauma survivors.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (2010). Media coverage of traumatic events: Research on effects. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/media-coverage-traumatic-events.asp

This webpage from the National Center for PTSD discusses the effects of intense media exposure following a disaster. The website describes the association between watching media coverage of traumatic events and stress symptoms. It also presents guidance that providers can give children and their parents to avoid retraumatization.

West, H. (2006). White paper: Addressing the traumatic impact of disaster on individuals, families, and communities. Presented at the After the Crisis Initiative: Healing from Trauma After Disasters Expert Panel Meeting. Retrieved from http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/hsem/behavhealth/documents/atc_white_paper.PDF [PDF - 84 KB]

This white paper addresses healing from the trauma induced by a disaster, especially in terms of regaining normalcy and offering and receiving peer support. In addition, the paper focuses on restoring communities with the supports necessary to be sensitive to individuals’, children’s, and families’ recovery from trauma.

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Compassion Fatigue

CARE International and the Headington Institute. (2011). How to help friends, colleagues, and yourself recover from a natural disaster. Retrieved from http://www.headington-institute.org/Portals/32/Resources/HOW%20TO%20HELP%20AFTER%20A%20NATURAL%20DISASTER.pdf [PDF - 108 KB]

This three-page tip sheet provides helpful information about what to expect after a natural disaster, ways to promote your recovery, and tips for how to assist friends and colleagues.

Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project. 2012). Professional Quality of Life (ProQoL), compassion fatigue, and life stress self-tests. Retrieved from http://www.compassionfatigue.org/pages/selftest.html

This webpage from the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project provides links to three self-tests that are designed to help you recognize the symptoms of compassion fatigue and life stress, and to help you decide when to seek professional help.

Compassion Fatigue Solutions & Professional Development. (2007). Transforming compassion fatigue into compassion satisfaction: Top 12 self-care tips for helpers. Retrieved from http://www.compassionfatigue.org/pages/Top12SelfCareTips.pdf [PDF – 247 KB]

This tip sheet provides information on compassion fatigue, as well as self-care tips for helpers and service providers.

Gurwitch, R. H., & Messenbaugh, A. K. (2005). Healing after trauma skills: A manual for professionals, teachers, and families working with children after trauma/disaster. Retrieved from http://www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/edu_materials/HATS2ndEdition.pdf [PDF - 1.54 MB]

This activity manual is designed for use primarily with children in pre-kindergarten through elementary school and early middle school grades who have experienced trauma resulting from natural or human-caused disasters. It is intended to be used by mental health professionals and teachers working with children in small groups or on an individual basis. Self-care tips and facts on compassion fatigue are provided for educators on page 17.

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). (2000). Indirect trauma. Retrieved from http://www.istss.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=PublicEducationPamphlets&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=1469 [PDF - 96 KB]

This booklet from ISTSS discusses indirect trauma, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue that can affect professionals who work with trauma survivors.

Iowa National Guard. (2005). Coping with compassion fatigue. Retrieved from http://www.iowanationalguard.com/Family%20and%20Services/Youth%20Programs/Documents/Coping%20with%20Compassion%20Fatigue.pdf [PDF – 63.09 KB]

This fact sheet defines compassion fatigue, explains who is at risk, and offers coping methods.

Lipp, L. L. (2009). Preventing compassion fatigue: Self awareness and self care practices. Retrieved from http://compassionfatigue.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Preventing-Compassion-Fatigue.pdf [PDF - 102 KB]

This handout invites helpers to slow down and become more aware of their own needs. Action steps are suggested for work and home settings in order to prevent compassion fatigue.

Proffitt, B. (2010). Delivering trauma-informed services. Healing Hands, 14(6), 1–8. Nashville, TN: National Health Care for the Homeless Council. Retrieved from http://www.nhchc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DecHealingHandsWeb.pdf [PDF - 969 KB]

Healing Hands is a quarterly publication of the Health Care for the Homeless Clinicians' Network, which provides information and discussion on topics for professionals who are working to serve people experiencing homelessness. This article describes how those who are experiencing homelessness can also be trauma survivors and how professionals can help better recognize symptoms and assist those with trauma histories.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Information. (2010). Overcoming compassion fatigue. Retrieved from http://www.pspinformation.com/caregiving/thecaregiver/compassion.shtml

This webpage answers commonly asked questions about compassion fatigue, including questions about identifying symptoms and preventing compassion fatigue.

Stamm, B. H. (2009). Professional Quality of Life scale (ProQOL): Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue, version 5. Retrieved from http://www.proqol.org/uploads/ProQOL_5_English_Self-Score_3-2012.pdf [PDF - 106.4 KB]

The ProQOL is the most commonly used measure of the negative and positive effects of helping others who experience suffering and trauma. The ProQOL has sub-scales for compassion satisfaction, burnout, and compassion fatigue.

Stamm, B. H., Varra, E. M., Pearlman, L. A., & Giller, E. (2002). The helper's power to heal and to be hurt-or helped-by trying. Washington, DC: Register Report: A Publication of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.sidran.org/pdf/Helper's_Power_to_Heal.pdf [PDF – 308 KB]

This one-page article discusses how those who work in "helping professions" can be helped or hurt through professionals' exposure to traumatic crises. The secondary effects of vicarious trauma are described, and several recommendations are provided for prevention and intervention on the individual and organizational levels.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (2007). Working with trauma survivors: What workers need to know. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/working-with-trauma-survivors.asp

This fact sheet, developed by the National Center for PTSD, offers tips for first responders on working with trauma survivors and on caring for themselves to decrease the possibility of experiencing burnout, secondary traumatic stress, compassion stress or fatigue, and vicarious traumatization.

Wong, M. (2010, December). Caregiver fatigue and Psychological First-Aid for schools. Plenary session presented at the FY 2010 Initial Grantee Meeting, Santa Monica, CA. Retrieved from http://rems.ed.gov/docs/FY10REMS_FGM_SMCA_CaregiverFatigue.pdf [PDF - 615 KB]

This presentation was developed by Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools within the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. It describes the risks, signs, and steps to recovery from compassion fatigue for those caregivers in schools who have responded to traumatic incidents.

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Disaster Anniversaries

Adoption.com. (n.d.). Tips for teachers marking disaster anniversaries in the classroom. Retrieved from http://library.adoption.com/articles/tips-for-teachers-marking-disaster-anniversaries-in-the-classroom.html

This webpage provides information to help teachers address disaster anniversaries in their classrooms. Activity suggestions are provided for various age groups to address particular developmental stages, from preschool through high school.

Disaster Distress Helpline. (n.d.). Coping with disaster anniversaries and trigger events. Retrieved from http://www.crisishotline.org/pdf/news_032311.pdf [PDF - 699 KB]

This tip sheet includes tips for coping with a disaster anniversary and includes common emotions one may experience during this time.

HHS, SAMHSA. (2005). Anniversary reactions to a traumatic event: The recovery process continues (HHS Publication No. NMH02-0140). Retrieved from http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/BehavioralHealth/LaSpirit/13AnniversaryReactionstoaTraumaticEvent.pdf [PDF - 32 KB]

This fact sheet describes common anniversary reactions among survivors of a disaster or traumatic event.

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Last updated 6/25/2013