While mental health is important at all times, during periods of stress or crisis it is vital to seek help if you or a loved one needs it.
Symptoms of distress
- Feelings of anxiety and sadness
- Hopelessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty making decisions or staying focused
- Fatigue, irritability or anger
- Aches and pains
Tips for self-help
- Take care of your safety: Find a safe place to stay and make sure your physical health needs, and those of your family, are addressed. Seek medical attention if necessary.
- Limit exposure to news: The sights and sounds of disaster, especially on television, radio, in newspapers, online, and on social media, can cause distress.
- Eat healthily: During times of stress, it is important that you maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
- Get ample rest: Giving your body and mind a break can boost your ability to cope with the stress you may be experiencing.
- Stay connected: Keep in contact with family and friends, giving and getting support. Try to do something as a family that you have all enjoyed in the past.
- Be patient: Kindness to yourself and those around you is important at this time.
- Set priorities: Tackle tasks in small steps.
- Keep informed: Gather information about assistance and resources that will help you and family members meet your disaster-related needs.
- Remain positive: Remind yourself of how you’ve coped successfully in difficult times in the past.
Caring for children
Before an emergency, talk to your children so they know you are prepared to keep them safe. Review safety plans to make them more at ease. During an emergency stay calm and reassure them. Talk to them about what is happening in an age-appropriate manner. Once the danger has passed, and in the days, weeks and months that follow, give children the opportunity to talk about their experience and share any concerns.
Where to find help
Alex Panton Foundation/HSA – Alex’s Place
e: [email protected]
t: 244-7856
w: alexpantonfoundation.ky
Bethesda Counselling Centre
t: 923-6488
w: caymanetherapy.com
Cayman Islands Health Services Authority Behavioural Health Outpatient Clinic
t: 244-2650
w: hsa.ky
CayMind
Toll free: 1-800-534-6463 (Monday to Friday, 6-11pm)
The Counselling Centre
t: 949-8789
w: dcs.gov.ky
The Crisis Centre
t: The 24-hour Crisis Line 943-2422 toll free 1-800-534-2422 (24 hours)
Employee Assistance Programme of the Cayman Islands
t: 949-9559
w: eapcayman.com/#contact
Infinite Mindcare
t: 926-0882
w: infinitemindcare.com
Kids Helpline
t: 649-5437 (Thursday to Sunday, 3-9pm)
w: kidshelpline.ky
Mental Health Helpline (free confidential support)
t: 1-800-534-6463
OnCourse Cayman
t: 745-6463
w: oncoursecayman.com
Emergencies
The emergency room at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital on Grand Cayman, and Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac, as well as 911, are always an option for immediate help.
This article originally appeared in Compass Media’s 2026 Emergency Guide.
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