How do you take care of your mental health during recovery?
Written by Andy Kruger
BuildSOS CEO3 min read
The short answer
What you’re feeling is a normal response to an abnormal situation. Stay connected to your communication circle, don’t isolate yourself, and reach out for professional support if the stress, anxiety, or grief feels like more than you can carry alone. About 20% to 25% of disaster survivors face significant mental health challenges (SAMHSA). After Hurricane Sandy, fewer than half of survivors who needed help used mental health services (Boston University). There’s no reason that has to include you.
This is general information, not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you’re in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Why this deserves the same attention as the physical rebuild
Disaster recovery is often framed entirely around the physical: the house, the claim, the contractor. But the emotional weight of losing your sense of safety, of dealing with an overwhelming process, of grief for what’s changed, is real and common. Recognizing that is the first step, not a sign that you’re handling it badly.
What can help
- Stay connected. Use your communication circle to keep in touch with family and friends throughout recovery, not just in the first few days.
- Talk about it, even briefly. Regular contact with your support network is linked to lower stress and a stronger sense of connection during recovery.
- Recognize the signs it’s more than everyday stress. Persistent anxiety, trouble sleeping, or feeling unable to function are signs it’s worth reaching out for professional support.
- Access local support resources. Community organizations and disaster-specific support services are often available, sometimes at no cost, in the aftermath of a declared disaster.
- Know that seeking help is common and reasonable, not a last resort. Many people who could benefit from support don’t reach out. You don’t have to be one of them.
Support resources
- Disaster Distress Helpline. Call or text 1-800-985-5990, any time of day, to talk with a trained crisis counselor about the stress of a disaster.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re in crisis or worried about someone, call or text 988. It’s free, confidential and open 24/7.
- FEMA Disaster Recovery Center locator. After a declared disaster, find the hours and location of the recovery center nearest you, where you can get help in person.
- FindTreatment.gov. SAMHSA’s confidential search for mental health care near you, if you want ongoing support from a professional.
Frequently asked
Is it normal to still feel affected weeks or months later?
Yes. Recovery often takes longer emotionally than it does physically, and that’s a normal part of processing a genuinely disruptive event.
How do I find mental health support after a disaster?
Local emergency management resources often list disaster-specific support services. A primary care doctor is also a good starting point for a referral.
What if I’m not sure whether what I’m feeling needs professional support?
If it’s affecting your daily functioning, sleep, or relationships, it’s worth reaching out to a professional to talk it through. You don’t need to meet a specific threshold to ask for help.
Sources
About the author
Andy Kruger
Andy Kruger is CEO of BuildSOS, author of When the Storm Comes, and sits on multiple boards and advisory groups shaping disaster resilience policy and research.
About Andy