Send us a text

What if you had access to a lifeline that could help you navigate the mental health challenges brought on by natural or human-caused disasters? 

In the first episode in our series on technology and well-being, Christian Burgess, director of the Disaster Distress Helpline, explains how this 24/7 national crisis hotline, supported by Vibrant Emotional Health and funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is an essential part of the broader 988 Suicide and Crisis network. 

Discover how the helpline provides emotional support, coping strategies, and resource referrals to individuals facing traumatic events, all while maintaining a personal connection through the principles of psychological first aid (PFA).

Christian also discusses the uniquely ongoing nature of disaster recovery, emphasizing the helpline's role in offering support long after the initial crisis has passed, and underscores the enduring impact of disasters and the necessity for continuous mental health resources. Christian brings his expertise and personal connection to the LGBTQ+ community into the conversation, adding a layer of depth to understanding the diverse needs of disaster survivors. 

Tune in to learn how technology and human empathy come together to support individuals in their journey toward recovery.

Based in Gresham, Oregon, Christian Burgess, LMSW, is Director of the Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH), a program of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration administered by the not-for-profit Vibrant Emotional Health. Christian joined Vibrant in 2010 and became Director of the DDH in 2012, helping to launch the program. The DDH is the only crisis hotline national in scope and dedicated to providing 24/7/365 emotional support for survivors and responders of natural or human-caused disasters. In 2021, Christian led the launch of two new DDH services, an online peer support program connecting survivors and responders in offering/receiving mutual aid and support during recovery, and a dedicated DDH Videophone option which connects Deaf/Hard of Hearing American Sign Language users experiencing disaster distress directly with DDH counselors fluent in ASL. Christian also worked for over 10 years in youth violence prevention and trauma intervention in New York City, including as Director of School Programs at Safe Horizon, one of the nation's largest service providers for victims of crime and abuse.

Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990

Learn more about the helpline on the SAMHSA website or email them at ddh@vibrant.org, or find the helpline on Twitter or Facebook.

Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.

Support the show

Producer / Editor: Neel Panji

Invite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.

#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor