Having Trouble Coping? 

It is common to show signs of stress, and it is important to know when to ask for help if these lead to distress. Signs of distress may include:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little

• Pulling away from people and things

• Having low or no energy

• Feeling numb or like nothing matters

• Having unexplained aches and pains

• Feeling helpless or hopeless

• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than you should

• Yelling or fighting with family & friends

• Having thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head

• Feeling unusually confused or forgetful; on edge, angry, or upset; or worried and scared

• Unable to perform basic, simple tasks

• Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, they are persisting, and are making it hard to get things done or get through your day, please refer to your Support Network card and seek professional help:

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 
Toll-Free: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 
Website: www.samhsa.gov

US National Suicide Prevention Hotline/Crisis Line:
Toll-Free: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)
Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

First Aid for Attempted Suicide:
https://pacificmedicalacls.com/first-aid-for-attempted-suicide.html 

If you are outside of the United State, please make note of the national resources available to you.

SOURCE: Adapted from coping with distress materials developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov

Reading List

Below is a selected list of articles and books that present some science and perspectives on how and why art and creative expression matter

Books