SIGNS THAT YOU MIGHT NEED HELP
• Feelings of anxiety and sadness
• Hopelessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Difficulty making decisions or staying focused
• Fatigue, irritability or anger
• Aches and pains
SELF-HELP METHODS
• 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 your exposure to the sights and sounds of disaster, especially online, on television, the radio and in the newspapers.
• Eat healthily. During times of stress, it is important that you maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
• Get ample rest. With so much to do, it may be difficult to have enough time to rest or get adequate sleep. Giving your body and mind a break can boost your ability to cope with the stress you may be experiencing.
• Stay connected with family and friends. Giving and getting support is one of the most important things you can do. Try to do something as a family that you have all enjoyed in the past.
• Be patient with yourself and with those around you. Recognise that everyone is stressed and may need some time to put their feelings and thoughts in order. That includes you.
• Set priorities. Tackle tasks in small steps.
• Gather information about assistance and resources that will help you and your family members meet your disaster-related needs.
• Stay positive. Remind yourself of how you’ve coped successfully in difficult times in the past. Reach out when you need support and help others when they need it.
CARING FOR CHILDREN
Before an emergency, talk to your children so they know you are prepared to keep them safe. Review safety plans so they are 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 them opportunities to talk about their experience and share any concerns.
HELPFUL ORGANISATIONS
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.gv.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, 7-9pm)
Mental Health Helpline (free confidential support)
t: 1-800-534-6463
OnCourse Cayman
t: 745-6463
w: oncoursecayman.com
The Emergency Room at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital (formerly George Town Hospital) on Grand Cayman and Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac, as well as 911, are always an option for immediate help.
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