Mental Health and Wellness

Natural disasters can cause stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, especially for kūpuna who live alone or have a chronic condition. Mental and emotional wellness is just as important as physical health and safety.

Ways to Build Resilience:

• Talk to family and friends regularly to stay socially connected
• Stay informed but avoid excessive news coverage of the disaster
• Be consistent with healthy routines and compliant with medications
• Practice calming techniques like breathing or light exercise

Dementia, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer can be harder to manage during an emergency. Work with a medical professional to put a plan in place and include it in your emergency kit so everyone is aware and knows what to do.

Contact local and national agencies to get help. Counselors at Hawaiʻi Cares (988) can offer emotional support and crisis assistance. Aloha United Way (211) can connect you to housing, food, and healthcare supports in your area.

Staying connected and preparing early can reduce stress and aid in recovery.

Helpful Links:
- Hawaiʻi Cares Wildfire Recovery
- Aloha United Way 211
- Managing Chronic Conditions After a Disaster -- CDC