The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf will affect south Alabama residents for a long time. The catastrophic and highly visible losses to our environment and economy mount every day. At the same time, the emotional and invisible damages caused by the stresses resulting from the oil spill are just beginning to surface. AltaPointe’s mental health professionals stand ready to assist south Alabama residents.

If you or your family feel overwhelmed, are feeling too "stressed out," having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, find that you are using drugs or alcohol in order to cope, or if you just need someone to talk to, call (251) 450-2211 to reach a professional by phone. AltaPointe professionals may also be reached via email at mentalhealthservices@altapointe.org.

Things to remember when trying to understand disaster events

• No one who sees a disaster is untouched by it.
• It is normal to feel anxious about you and your family’s safety.
• Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
• Acknowledging your feelings helps you recover.
• Focusing on your strengths and abilities will help you to heal.
• Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy.
• We each have different needs and different ways of coping.
• It is common to want to strike back at people who have caused great pain. However, we accomplish nothing good with hateful language or actions.

Signs that Adults need Stress Management Assistance

• Difficulty communicating thoughts
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Difficulty concentrating
• Easily frustrated
• Increased use of drugs/alcohol
• Limited attention span
• Poor work performance
• Headaches/stomach problems
• Tunnel vision/muffled hearing
• Cold or flu-like symptoms
• Disorientation or confusion
• Reluctance to leave home
• Depression
• Sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Mood-swings
• Crying easily
• Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt
• Fear of crowds, strangers, or being alone

Signs of Stress in Children and Adolescents 

Children respond to stress based on both their developmental level and their perception of family reactions. Often, the most significant indicator of stress is a change in a child’s behavior, not the behavior itself.

• Ages 1-5:  
• may begin acting like they did when they were much younger. Preschoolers may resume thumb sucking or bedwetting
• may begin clinging to a parent
• may become very attached to a place where they feel safe
• may show changes in eating or sleeping habits,
• may exhibit hyperactive, unusually aggressive or withdrawn behavior

• Ages 5-11:
• may begin acting like they did when they were much younger
• may withdraw from friends,
• may demand more attention from parents
• may begin acting aggressively
• may have difficulty concentrating
• may begin complaining of physical problems (headache or stomach ache) without obvious cause
  

• Adolescents may:  
• have vague physical complaints
• abandon schoolwork, chores, and other responsibilities
• become withdrawn
• resist authority
• become disruptive
• experiment with alcohol or drugs

In later adolescence, teens may experience feelings of helplessness or guilt because they are unable to help the family.

Ways to Ease the Stress

• Talk with someone about your feelings of anger, sorrow, and other emotions, even though it may be difficult.
• Take care of yourself by eating right, getting plenty of rest, exercising, and taking time to relax.
• As much as possible, keep your daily schedule or routine at home. Spend time with family and friends.
• Use existing supports groups of family, friends, and church.