For Community Members

Crisis Distress Prevention/Intervention for Community Members - Accessing and Using Resources
It is not uncommon for children, youth, and adults to show signs of stress after a crisis. A crisis can create a condition of instability that could develop into more serious mental and behavioral health issues that can interfere with daily life and children and youth’s learning. Crisis planning allows individuals within the community to act quickly and effectively to access needed resources.
The purpose of the following guide is to (a) provide accurate, user-friendly information resources for adults and (b) help students and families access current information on crisis preparedness and response.
Have you or a family member experienced a crisis?
Taking care of yourself
- Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: Managing Your Stress
- Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life
- How to Deal with Grief
Helping children and youth
- Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events: A Guide for Parents and Educators
- Tips for Talking to Children in Trauma: Interventions at Home for Preschoolers to Adolescents
- Helping Children Cope with Loss, Death, and Grief
Do you know about school-based and community agencies working with the school district that are providing supports and services to students, individuals, and families?
- Schools can provide onsite help through school counselors, school psychologists, or school social workers.
- Check with your local school to ask if there is a crisis plan.
- Community agencies that may provide help include the Red Cross. To find available resources in your community, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at at 1-800-985-5990 or Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
- Peer listening has been found to be a valuable tool for recovery. Training manuals and other resources are available online from the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium.