Tip Sheets for Parents, Response Workers, the Public

By Kristin Blank

SAMHSA adapted several disaster response tip sheets to address the stress, grief, and fear people may be feeling in the Gulf Coast region and elsewhere.

All tip sheets—available in English, Cambodian, Haitian/Creole, Lao, Spanish, and Vietnamese—include contact information for SAMHSA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Agency’s Treatment Referral Helpline (1-800-662-HELP).

For Educators and Parents

Children may feel frightened, confused, and insecure because of the change caused by the oil spill, and they may react differently than adults. One report out of Florida described children getting very upset when a dead baby dolphin washed up on the beach.

Two tip sheets offer guidance to parents, administrators, and educators as to how to best help children—from preschoolers to adolescents—cope with the disaster.

Download:

Tips for Talking to Students About the Oil Spill Disaster: A Guide for Teachers and School Administrators
Note: This tip sheet will be available on the SAMHSA Web site soon.

Tips for Talking to Children & Youth About the Oil Spill Disaster: A Guide for Parents and Educators

Tips for Talking to Children & Youth About the Oil Spill Disaster: Interventions at Home for Preschoolers to Adolescents

For Disaster Response Workers

The men and women working to clean up the Gulf Coast, including trying to save the lives of birds, reptiles, and other marine life, are under unique stress that can take its toll. SAMHSA provides information for managing and relieving stress (for organizations and for individuals).

Another concern is that relief workers may turn to alcohol or drug abuse to cope. A tip sheet offers warning signs to watch for.

Download:

Tips for Oil Spill Disaster Response Workers: Possible Signs of Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Tips for Oil Spill Disaster Response Workers: Managing and Preventing Stress for Managers and Workers

For the General Public

Everyone may feel emotional about the oil spill—two tip sheets offer ways to manage stress and deal with grief.

Download:

Tips for Coping with the Oil Spill Disaster: Managing Your Stress

Tips for Dealing with Grief Due to the Oil Spill Disaster

For more resources, visit SAMHSA’s Web page devoted to the oil spill.