If you are having thoughts of self- harm, please seek medical attention immediately, including calling 9-1-1.
On top of risks your physical health, traumatic events like emergencies and natural disasters can have a big impact on your mental health.
Coping with the stress and emotions during the disaster, and in the days and weeks that follow, can be challenging.
SEEK HELP If you or someone in your family are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. There are supports and resources available to help.
8-1-1 Helpline
- Call 8-1-1 or 1-844-259-1793.
- 8-1-1 Helpline responders are registered nurses who can also assist you with concerns related to mental wellness and addictions recovery.
- 8-1-1 nurses are trained in a variety of areas, including stress management, suicidal thoughts, abuse, sexual assault, depression, anxiety, grief, loss, and substance use.
- Translation services provided for all official languages of the NWT. This service remains 100% free and confidential.
Do small things to take care of yourself
- Eat nutritious food
- Stay hydrated
- Try to rest often and listen to your body’s need for sleep
- Pace yourself on your clean-up activities, and take regular breaks
- Prioritize tasks, and don’t pressure yourself to tackle it all at once
Look out for yourself and others, now and over the long term
The signs of stress related to a traumatic event do not always appear immediately during or after the event.
Signs of trauma, and difficulty coping, may show up now, or in the weeks ahead.
Watch for these signs, and remember to seek help for yourself and your loved ones:
- Feeling worried or frustrated more than usual
- Feeling hopeless
- Thinking about the disaster or traumatic event all the time
- Having flashbacks to the event
- Experiencing changes in your sleep pattern
- Experiencing changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
- Avoiding people or activities that you usually enjoy
- Using alcohol or drugs more