INTRODUCTION TO DISASTER AND MENTAL HEALTH
Introduction ro Disaster and Normal Responses
A disaster is a natural or man-made occurrence that causes destruction, death, or
injuries. It also includes mental health, as stress is common before, during, and after the
disaster. Compared to physical consequences, mental health consequences have a higher ratio
of casualties. Therefore, public health workers and volunteers can provide basic "crisis
intervention".
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Is a condition in mental health that cause symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares,
severe anxiety, and emotional distress after witnessing a Traumatic event.
Resistance, Resilience, Recovery
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Resistence: the ability to fight the feeling of distress, impairment, or dysfunction.
Resilience: the capacity to bounce back when faced with stress.
Recovery: the process of regaining normal well-being
People have different approach in dealing with stress
In a healthy coping mechanism, they can manage on their own the planning and
execution of decisive action, their ability to assist themselves, and their ability to gain selfawareness.
While having unhealthy coping skills, they tend to have impulsive behavior, substance
abuse, and over-dependence.
Mental Health Preparedness Action Steps
A public health workers and volunteers should have this attribute to effectively assist the
survivors:
● Good listening skills
● Patience
● Caring attitude
● Trustworthiness
● Being approachable and
● Culturally sensitive
● Non-judgmental
● Flexible and tolerant of chaos
Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a program that provides immediate action after the
aftermath of a disaster, reducing the initial distress for all ages, and being available as soon as
the location of the disaster is stable. The PFA must promote the following: safety, calmness,
connectedness, self-efficacy, and help. The following is what you should not do, according to
PFA: coercion, simple assurance, and fake promises.
Managing intense Emotion
In dealing a intense Emotion they can communicate calmly and warmth, help them to
focus, rapport is important, aggrement, speak with respect. If there is a scenerio where a person
become hostile of not responding they can seek a immediate care assistance.
Making referrals
An act of transferring or recommending a person to seek a higher professional help to
effectively assist them in handling their difficulties.
Confidentiality
Personal information and discussions should kept privately this build trust and respect
for that person