In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many in the Tampa Bay area are feeling the emotional impact. Natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding can cause heightened anxiety, depression, and stress, or even lead to new mental health challenges like PTSD. To help, Tampa Bay Thrives has created this resource list to support your mental well-being during recovery. We will continue to update it as new resources become available.
Crisis Lines
- For support from a counselor, call 211 locally or contact the National Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 (call or text). For immediate mental health crisis support, call or text 988.
- In times of crisis, having the right support is essential. This resource guide from MHA provides valuable tools and information to help you navigate tough moments and support your path to recovery.
Guides & Toolkits
- FEMA’s Recovering From Disaster Guide:Â A quick-reference PDF offering practical tips for personal safety, property recovery, emotional coping, and ways to get involved. It also includes a detailed, age-appropriate guide for supporting children.
- Psychological First Aid Resources: The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress offers rapid psychological first aid cards to help others manage acute stress. Additional links provide guidance for leaders, families, and healthcare personnel.
- CDC’s Coping with a Disaster Resource Page: Find advice on managing disaster-related stress, along with valuable toolkits for children, teens, and first responders.
- Resources for Returning Home: DisasterAssistance.gov provides important guidance for those returning home or rebuilding after a disaster.
- To help youth understand and cope: Mental Health America offers compassionate resources, including “Processing a Tragedy with Youth” and “Helping Children Cope with Tragedy,” to support individuals navigating these difficult experiences.
Counselors & Support Groups
- Dr. Sh’nai Simmons: Virtual debriefing sessions, complimentary counseling, and custom mental health support
- Dr. Lake & Associates: Free post-hurricane support groups for children and adults
Additional ResourcesÂ
- If you’re concerned about your mental health or that of someone close to you, MHA’s online screening is a quick and easy way to assess potential symptoms of a mental health condition.
- Breathwork Exercises: Join our resident breathwork expert, Syd, for a restorative moment. As we navigate the challenges of recovery from Hurricane damages, remember that prioritizing self-care is essential for your well-being.
- For professionals looking for in-depth training, the APA offers a free course on Disaster and Preventive Psychiatry.
- Hillsborough County has developed a webpage offering residents local, state, and national resources to support storm recovery. You can view it here.
