Drought
The psychological effects of living through a drought can be more subtle than the effects of other natural disasters. The primary impact tends to be economic for those whose livelihoods are disrupted from severe water shortages, crop failures, lower supply in demand of agriculture-related products like animal feed and machinery, and for the general public as a result of rising food prices.
However, with economic loss comes the risk for emotional distress. This can include feelings such as overwhelming anxiety, constant worrying, trouble sleeping and other depression-like symptoms. These are common responses to disasters such as droughts, although reactions can vary from person-to-person. Most people that experience disasters are able to 'bounce back' in a short period of time, but others may need additional support in order to cope and move forward on the path of recovery.
Depending on the severity of the drought, symptoms of distress may come and go, or last for months or years. No matter how long they last or how severe the symptoms, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here to help with year-round, 24/7 phone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (text 'TalkWithUs' to 66746; Spanish-speakers can text 'Hablanos' to 66746) crisis counseling for anyone who is experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters within the U.S. and territories. Those impacted by the 2012 drought (affecting over 60% of the lower states) and who might be experiencing distress and having difficulty coping can reach out to usat any timefor support.
Risk Factors for Distress and Warning Signs
Severe and ongoing droughts can result in significant economic losses to those whose livelihoods depend on weather or climate conditions. Therefore farmers, ranchers & others who work in industries with agricultural ties (and including their family members) are at particular risk for distress during extreme droughts.
Signs of emotional distress related to droughts may include:
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Eating too much or too little
- Having low or no energy
- Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why
- Pulling away from people and things
- Having unexplained aches and pains like constant stomachaches or headaches
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Increased smoking, drinking or using drugs (including prescription medication)
- Feeling unusually confused or forgetful
- Feeling like you have to keep busy
- Constant yelling or fighting with family and friends; irritable
- Unable to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or other dependents, trouble showing up to work or school on time or at all (excessive absences), trouble concentrating and getting things done, etc.
- Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else
Where can I get help?
If you or someone you know shows any of these warning signs, whether you know they are in relation to drought or even if you aren't sure when they began showing ...Talk with us. You are not alone! Call our toll-free number1-800-985-5990 or text 'TalkWithUs' to 66746(Spanish-speakers can text'Hablanos' to 66746) for support and crisis counseling. Calls and texts are answered by trained, caring counselors from crisis call centers located throughout the U.S.
Additional Resources
Information and Referrals within Drought-Impacted Areas
The national '2-1-1' network of call centers offers up-to-the-minute, local, disaster-specific information and resources. Visit http://www.211.org to locate a specific center serving a drought-impacted area, or simply dial '2-1-1'.
Local Crisis Counseling Services Within Drought-Impacted Areas
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7/365 crisis counseling and support for all 50 states and territories by networking with local crisis centers. If you are looking to connect with a local crisis center directly, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline [http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org] to look up the nearest call center serving a drought-impacted area, or dial 1-800-273-TALK [8255].
Tip Sheets and Additional Information: Droughts
American Red Cross:
Taking Care of your Emotional Health after a
Disaster (PDF)
California Dairy Research Foundation:
Stress, Depression, and Suicide Prevention Resources for
Dairy Farmers
http://cdrf.org/2012/08/01/stress-depression-suicide-prevention-resources-for-dairy-farmers/
Missouri Department of Mental Health / University of Missouri
Extension:
Tips for
Coping with Drought-related Stress
SAMHSA Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series (DBHIS): Drought http://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/dbhis/dbhis_drought_intro.asp
U.S. Department of Agriculture:
Clearinghouse of information and resources related to
drought assistance:
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=DISASTER_ASSISTANCE