Natural and man-made disasters normally occur with little or no warning. Entire communities or single buildings/residences can be affected. Even if the disaster does not touch you or your family directly, feelings of loss, sadness, or any other wide-ranging emotional aftereffects may occur. These reactions are normal.

The emotional effects of disaster can be overwhelming and severely test our ability to continue with our daily lives. It is the ability to cope with this emotional stress that allows us to go on and rebuild our lives. However, we are all individuals, and because of that individuality, we do not handle emotional stress in the same manner. Because of this, it is important to know there are professionals readily available to assist in our time of duress.

As directed in the State of Texas Disaster Plan, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is mandated to provide crisis counseling staff during a state or federally declared disaster. To meet this task, DSHS maintains a readiness capability through a cadre of disaster-trained mental health staff, as well as other state and community mental health resources.

For more information regarding the DSHS Disaster Mental Health Services (DMHS), visit their web site at Texas Department of State Health Services. Disaster Mental Health Services personnel can be contacted by phone at (512) 206-5993.