Chapter 3 : Understanding the psychosocial impact of disaster

ABSTRACT

Involvement in a disaster is a life-altering, whether one is a survivor, a bereaved family member, a neighbor, or a helper. Although we know that individuals closest to a disaster will be most affected, information about the type and scope of the disaster can enhance estimates of the intensity and duration of the psychosocial resources that will be needed to assist all those who will be affected by it. Resistance to psychosocial intervention, however, is such a common reaction among disaster survivors, that mental health services must be made available and easily accessible to those at greatest risk, by taking services out to survivors and the bereaved. It is importante for all helpers to know thet there is a range of emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and sensations that are normal reactions to a disaster, however, and should not be "pathologized". Outreach provided by well-trained menatl health workers is especially crucial for our most vulnerable populations, and in particular, for our most valuable resource-America's children. First responders and the other helpers also need to take special precautionsto mitigate the psychological impact of disaster, as secondary traumatization is an ever-present hazard of disaster response. The rituals of normal grief and mourning can help individuals and communicaties daw upon the strengths of the group to promove healing and eventual resolution (AU)