UM Counseling Center (UMCC) is deeply saddened by the impact of the recent hurricanes across the state of Florida, Puerto Rico and Caribbean. We know how common it can be to experience significant stress following a natural disaster. Whether you were personally impacted via physical injury, damage to property, or emotional distress, or someone you know and care about was impacted, the after-effects can be devastating for many reasons. Fortunately, most stress symptoms are temporary and will resolve on their own in a fairly short amount of time. However, for some people, these symptoms may last for weeks or even months and may influence their relationships, ability to focus/concentrate, and/or their overall well-being. Common warning signs of emotional distress include:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and things
- Having low or no energy
- Having unexplained aches and pains, such as constant stomachaches or headaches
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs, including prescription medications
- Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why
- Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else
- Having difficulty readjusting to home, school, or work life
*adapted from the SAMSHA.GOV website
If there are any UM students who have been adversely affected by the storm, we would like to provide the following resources for potential relief and/or assistance:
During the Day (Normal Business Hours)
The Counseling Center provides emergency services during our normal business hours. To be seen for an emergency appointment, call our office 305-284-5511 or simply walk into the center. Be sure to inform the receptionist that you are requesting an emergency appointment and we will make every effort to respond to your situation as quickly as possible.
Evenings and Weekends
- Counseling Center After Hours Line. If you (or a friend) are experiencing distress and need someone to talk with in the middle of the night or on the weekend, please call the Counseling Center’s main number, press1 and you will be immediately connected to a licensed therapist. This service cannot change or schedule appointments. The after-hours crisis counselor is available when the Counseling Center is closed
305-284-5511 (Press 1)
- SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline. If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed about post-hurricane circumstances, you can call SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUS to 66746. Both options are available 24/7/365
For additional UM Counseling Center mental health emergency/crisis services not listed on this page, please visit:
http://counseling.studentaffairs.miami.edu/appointments/emergency-services/index.html
Online resources for students to cope managing a traumatic event, please visit our online resource page.
http://counseling.studentaffairs.miami.edu/resources/online-resources/index.html
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-afar.aspx
