Free crisis counseling available after Hurricane Helene

The State of Tennessee and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are offering free, confidential crisis counseling and mental health support following Hurricane Helene.Those who live or work in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties can receive counseling regardless of eligibility of FEMA disaster assistance, according to a news release.Although the program does not offer full mental health or psychiatric services, the crisis counseling program includes mental health services and training activities to help survivors manage stress, process trauma, cope with loss and their experiences and connect them to additional resources. The counselors can visit at home, a shelter, temporary home or place of worship at no cost. The counseling services and educational programs can be one-on-one or with a group. Free and confidential crisis support is available in any language by calling or texting the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990. For more information, you may also visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Help.FEMA encourages all survivors to take advantage of these resources as they navigate their recovery from the storm.According to the Centers for Disease Control, going through a traumatic event can leave a survivor with a variety of different responses, including changes in appetite and sleep, nausea, dizziness and loss of appetite. If symptoms become worse after a month of the event, it could be post-traumatic stress disorder.Along with seeking professional help, the CDC encourages those suffering from PTSD to reach out to friends, find ways to relax, stick to routines and get involved in leisure or recreational activities.