Oil Spill Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990. It’s Free. It’s Confidential.
Are you experiencing signs of stress as a result of the oil spill disaster?
Signs of stress may include any of the following physical and emotional reactions:
- Sleeplessness
- Stomachaches
- Headaches
- Anger, irritability, and/or blaming other people for everything
- Overwhelming sadness
- Anxiety or hyperactivity
- Depression or lack of energy
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or use of illegal drugs
- Changes in your eating pattern—too much or too little
- Inability to connect with others
- Inability to feel joy
- Rejecting of help
You may be suffering more than you need to.
We can help!
The Oil Spill Distress Helpline can provide 24/7 immediate assistance with your concerns.
The Helpline is answered by crisis counselors located in the Gulf Coast who are prepared to offer:
- Crisis Intervention for those who are in emotional crisis
- Educational Information about identifying stress and its effects as well as how to avoid experiencing more severe stress in the future
- Coping Tips to help address signs and symptoms of serious distress
- Resource Information about supports available for those affected by the Oil Spill
- Referral Information for those who feel they may benefit from mental health services
Watch the U.S. Surgeon General’s Message to Oil Spill Survivors
60 second version
30 second version
U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Regina M. Benjamin provides a message to residents of the Gulf Coast affected by the oil spill. Watch Dr. Benjamin’s Public Service Announcement.
About the Oil Spill Distress Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through a 2.5 million dollar, 15-month, SAMSHA grant (funded in part by a contribution from BP to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) has launched a helpline to respond to calls from individuals, families, and communities in need of emotional assistance. Building on the infrastructure of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL), a network of 147 crisis centers from across the country, the Oil Spill Distress Helpline’s leading team of mental health crisis and technology experts, in collaboration with its local crisis center network members, provides support to Gulf Coast residents affected by the oil spill. Their calls for assistance are answered by crisis centers from the Gulf Region.
Read the official press release from Health and Human Services (HHS).
