When a community has experienced a traumatic event or crisis, children and adults may feel significant fear, anxiety and stress. This impact may be felt by those who were directly involved in the event (such as victims, witnesses, and responders) as well as others who may not have been directly involved.
Below are resources available for community members as they process the incident that happened at the house fire in Leonardtown on June 27.
Crisis Walk-In Services at the St. Mary’s County Health Hub
The following crisis support walk-in services are available at the St. Mary’s County Health Hub, located at 21625 Great Mills Road Lexington Park, MD 20653. These services are available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Individuals who are in need of immediate counseling are able to walk in for assistance.
- Crisis support walk-in services including short-term counseling
- Assistance in coordinating ongoing treatment with behavioral health professionals in the community
- Linkage to other needed community resources and supports
- Professional assessment of mental health needs
- Supportive connections to peers who have lived experiences with substance use and mental health recovery
At this time, persons who are actively suicidal, homicidal, experiencing extreme psychosis, incapacitated, or those who may need medical care and/or immediate medications should use medical emergency mechanisms such as hospital emergency departments. 9-1-1 can be utilized for those experiencing a medical emergency. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for 24/7 support.
Crisis Warmline – 410-768-5522
The Warmline is a local hotline that offers callers emotional support and is staffed by trained phone counselors. The Warmline is available 24/7 to help with non-emergency calls with assistance for mental health, substance misuse, grief counseling and referral services, and linkages to resources within the community. To access this service, community members should call 410-768-5522.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free and confidential 24/7 support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 9-8-8, Ayuda En Español
Dealing with Traumatic Events
The following tips may help in dealing with the effects of traumatic events.
When Traumatic Events Occur
- You may feel dazed, numb, sad, helpless, or anxious.
- It is not unusual to have bad memories or dreams. You may avoid people or places that remind you of the event. You may have trouble sleeping, eating, or focusing. You may have a short temper and anger easily.
- These can be normal reactions to stress.
It Takes Time
- You may have strong feelings immediately, or you may not notice a change until much later.
- Stress can change how you act with friends and family. It will take time to feel better.
- Give yourself time to heal.
These Steps May Help
There is no simple fix to make things better immediately. These actions may help you, your family, and the community begin to heal. Try to:
- Follow a normal routine as much as possible.
- Eat healthy meals. Do not skip meals or overeat.
- Exercise and stay active.
- Help other people in the community as a volunteer. Stay busy.
- Accept help from family, friends, coworkers, or clergy.
- Talk about your feelings with family, friends, coworkers, or clergy. Limit your time around the sights and sounds of what happened. Don’t dwell on TV, radio, or newspaper reports of the event.
If It Feels Like Too Much
Ask for help if you:
- Are not able to take care of yourself or your children.
- Are not able to do your job.
- Use alcohol or drugs to escape your problems.
- Feel sad or depressed for more than 2 weeks.
- Think about suicide.