Strength After
Stories of strength and recovery after a disaster.
If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.
Explore stories about strength after...
Vibrant Emotional Health's “Supporting Your Emotional Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak” page is regularly updated with new resources and information to help you manage your mental health during COVID-19. Click "View Full Story" below to view the entire list of resources.
COVID-19 Resources
VIA Vibrant Emotional HealthI feel like in some ways I've come out of a shadow and I'm back in the light now
September 12th: Reflections on September 11th From an Airline Worker
VIA StoryCorpsA hug from another survivor is different from someone who is trying to console you...you're not alone.
How survivors of mass shootings are helping a new generation heal
VIA Deseret NewsThe tornado made me want to do medicine here...I think one of the greatest gifts you can do is to give back to your community.
From students to doctors; 2 colleagues connected by the Joplin tornado
VIA KSHBWhen we normalize and respect our own losses, that gives us the energy to respect other losses.
We Have to Grieve Our Last Good Days
VIA The AtlanticIt's really beautiful to see everyone helping together. There was even a dog who was in bad condition and the owner couldn't walk. But the whole team was helping to calm the dog and de-stress her and dry her.
At Al-Salam Mosque In Houston, All Are Welcome
VIA NPRI said to myself, ‘I’m not going to sit around...I made it out for a reason’
Las Vegas Shooting Survivor Remembers Event 3 Years Later
VIA Spectrum NewsThis technique helped me remember the resiliency I have and that I am capable of surviving hard situations.
The Question That Helps Me in Times of Disaster
VIA You MatterAll of us are going to face adversity at some point. I think it’s how we deal with that adversity that matters most.
4 Things COVID-19 Taught an ER Doctor About the Power of Resilience and Hope
VIA Johnson & JohnsonIt’s up to you on how you choose to respond to the bad thing that’s happening to you. So I chose to respond as positive as I could, and so that made a difference.
Oklahoma City bombing survivor shares story of personal transformation
VIA FOX 25I’m proud of them. They’ve walked into a hospital where they’ve never been in their lives, and they have managed to step up to the plate and take over and take very, very good care of the patients.
Diary of a Hospital: A Surgeon’s Hope “We were looking into the valley of chaos, but we found order.”
VIA The New York TimesDon’t be afraid to talk to people. One of the worst things we do with mental health is that there’s this huge stigma around it. We don’t talk about it...don’t be afraid to send someone a text and check in on other people.
Post-pandemic PTSD? Lessons from a marathon bombing survivor
VIA Associated PressThis is a story of resistance, of activism, of citizen action, of waking up and opening your eyes and making a difference in our community...about the incredible work that we did, hand in hand with our community, to make our community care about our children.
Pediatrician Who Exposed Flint Water Crisis Shares Her ‘Story Of Resistance’
VIA NPRI’m not defined by what happened to me...I am a survivor, defined by how I lived my life, not defined as being a victim.
Boston Bombing Survivor Adrianne Haslet After Car Strike: Don’t Call Me a ‘Victim’
VIA Runner's WorldI think people are becoming a little more sensitive to saying, ‘you know, maybe I need to come to terms with the fact that I’m feeling this'...trauma doesn’t go away by itself.
“Trauma Doesn’t Go Away By Itself.” How El Paso Is Tackling Mental Health Stigma After the Walmart Mass Shooting
VIA TimeI am glad the Disaster Distress Helpline exists to assist deaf and hard of hearing individuals going through difficult times emotionally and connects people with the resources they need.
Story of Hope: Shanda Miller
VIA Disaster Distress HelplineOver these past seven autumns, I’ve learned that just showing up for neighbors during these difficult weeks between Halloween and December 14 can help lift at least some of the weight we carry.
Seven Autumns of Mourning in Newtown
VIA The AtlanticI figured that while everyone argues about politics or gun control, let’s do something to keep kids safe.
Mom fights to keep kids safe after Moore tornado
VIA TodayPhysically, we will never be the same. But, emotionally, we are growing stronger.
Puerto Rico teachers reflect on Hurricane Maria 1 year later
VIA TodayI want you to think of the power you have. The power you have to make a huge difference in the life of someone else with a small, simple act.
Rachel’s Challenge, an anti-bullying program created by Columbine shooting victim’s father, starts a ‘chain reaction’ in Lancaster County
VIA Lancaster OnlineFor me, it's been therapeutic to give back.