Question

Discuss the psychological impact of disasters. How would you, as the primary healthcare provider, care for your patients’ psychological needs? What needs do you anticipate? What screenings should be used? How can you effectively manage transitions, grief, and stress

Answer 1

Any violent encounters with technology, mankind or nature is known as disaster. Psychological research has shown that disasters can be a major cause of serious mental health consequences for victims. There are many human responses to a disaster such as guilt feeling, overwhelming emotions, mental illness, suicidal ideas etc. In many patients, these consequences convert into Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and a variety of other disorders. The health care profession has evolved a variety of strategies which can help to reduce the effect of disaster. Multi-dimensional roles which includes educating, negotiating, administrative, training, fund raising, collaborative, skill transferring, treating, advocating and rehabilitating etc are needing to be fulfilled by HCPs. Although the role of specialist as a clinician is very minimal but mental health clinics in relief camps are useful in identifying and treating moderate-to-severe cases post-disaster. They can train local resources for psychological rehabilitation through art therapy; informal education; group discussions; drama; initiation of activities such as yoga, meditation, prayers, relaxation, sports, and games; spiritual activities; providing factual information; educating parents and teachers.