The NJMentalHealthCares HelpLine serves a dual role as the New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline in times of crises. "The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline was activated as part of the state's Superstorm Sandy response. It is one of the key public access points to the New Jersey Hope and Healing project which provides crisis counseling and support to those in need," said Renee Burawski, Crisis Counseling Program Project Manager and MHANJ's Director of Training and Information Services. 

Although months have passed since the storm, those who have been highly impacted by the disaster may be just starting to face  its most challenging mental health fallout.  While the emotional effects immediately following a disaster are shocking and devastating, initially there is a surge of assistance and aid to survivors. After some time, however, that initial "heroic" response fades, and individuals often enter a difficult period of "disillusionment." The full and lasting effects of the disaster become painfully apparent; people become frustrated, angry and discouraged. The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline provides universal access to counseling and support for anyone struggling with these or similar reactions through a simple toll-free phone call.  

One recent caller's situation provides an example of the importance and benefits of reaching out for this type of support.

The Helpline received a call from a single mother of three small children. They lost their home in the storm and were forced to relocate to a hotel far from their familiar neighborhood. At the time of her call she was still in the hotel with no family or friends nearby to provide support or assistance. She was not working and was on a fixed income.  She recently visited an Emergency Room due to physical problems that surfaced since the disaster.  Her efforts to seek housing and financial support were complicated by the fact that she did not have a car or childcare. The Behavioral Health Specialist who answered the call provided information and education about common reactions to traumatic stress, including possibly some of the physical problems this caller was experiencing. Supportive counseling was provided and together they worked on coping skills such as breathing exercises and organizing and prioritizing responsibilities in small steps daily. The caller was also referred to receive a face-to-face visit from a community crisis counselor and case management to assist her in obtaining the services she needed.

For all those affected and struggling to cope with the effects of Sandy, the New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline helps to provide the "calm after the storm."

Click here for more information about New Jersey Hope and Healing, including links for printable materials.

New Jersey Hope and Healing is sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Disaster and Terrorism Branch, through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant, in partnership with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline is funded by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.