Living through the trauma of the fires has a lasting impact. Dealing with the stress of rebuilding and all that entails can be overwhelming. But there are people and services that can help you make it through this. Talk with your family and friends. Connecting with neighbors is an important part of wellness in this process!
Helpful Links:
Mental Health Resources page on Sonoma County Recovers Website
Handy phone list of Sonoma County Behavioral Health Services
Support Hotlines
American Red Cross
24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline: (800) 985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Sonoma County Dept of Health Services Access Mental Health Services 707-565-6900
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Services 1-855-587-6373
Substance Use Disorder Services 707-565-7450
NAMI ‘Warmline’ 866-960-6264
North Bay Suicide Prevention Hotline (855) 587-6373 (toll-free)
Sonoma County Resilience Collaborative - Free Tools to Build Personal Resilience
Offering tools and skills that you can learn to help you cope with stress and trauma. Based on the curriculum developed by the Center for Mind Body Medicine, trained and supervised volunteer leaders and ready to help our community heal and focus on wellness. Free workshops and 8 week small group sessions available throughout the county. To learn more about joining a group, or find someone to host a workshop or small group for your organization or neighborhood, see their website at socoresilience.org where you can inquire about groups and access locally produced guided meditation recordings.
Counseling Services
Counselors are available to provide care for grief, depression, anxiety and trauma at no cost to those affected by the October 2017 wildfires. For an appointment, call the Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic at 707-579-0465 ext 227. For more information, use this link.
FREE counseling –If you are in need of counseling, here is a list of licensed marriage and family therapists offering 3-5 hours of free service to fire victims.
Child Parent Institute
www.calparents.org, 707-585-6108
Support for Parents, Children’s Counseling and Trauma Informed Services
NAMI-National Alliance on Mental Illness, Sonoma County www.namisonomacounty.org
Offers education, support and advocacy through groups, warmline (866-960-6264), lending library, workshops, training, and advocacy to family members and loved ones with mental health issues. chat online at www.namisoco.org, Visit their office at 182 Farmers Lane, Suite 202, Santa Rosa.
NOTE: Inquire with your employer regarding a common benefit called “Employee Assistance Program” which usually covers short term counseling.
Senior Citizens
Seniors who live alone can get a daily, friendly call from a service by Catholic Charities. To sign up visit their webpage http://www.srcharities.org/get-help/senior-services
Mobile Apps to Help You Manage Stress
There are several apps available to help you cope with more severe symptoms of PTSD, and other mindfulness coach apps to help you clear your mind of stress and anxiety. These are free and available for download from iTunes and Android App Stores: