Psychosocial Support in Disasters

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Foundations & Phases - Disaster's Mental Echoes

  • Psychosocial Support (PSS): Interventions to protect/promote mental well-being & prevent/treat mental disorders in disaster-affected populations.
  • Core Goals:
    • Mitigate distress, bolster coping mechanisms.
    • Foster individual & community resilience.
    • Aid return to normal functioning.
  • Psychological Phases & Reactions:
    • Pre-disaster/Warning: Fear, anxiety.
    • Impact: Shock, confusion, survival focus.
    • Heroic: ↑Altruism, community cohesion.
    • Honeymoon: Optimism, support influx (lasts weeks-months).
    • Disillusionment: Frustration, anger as aid wanes, reality sets in (can last 1-2 years).

      ⭐ Disillusionment phase: Critical period. External support wanes; PTSD, depression risk ↑.

    • Reconstruction: Gradual recovery, adjustment, rebuilding (years).

Psychological response curves after trauma

Core Principles & PFA - Healing Hands, Calming Hearts

  • Core Principles of Psychosocial Support:
    • Promote Safety: Physical, emotional security.
    • Promote Calming: Reduce physiological arousal, foster tranquility.
    • Promote Self & Community Efficacy: Empower survivors' ability to cope.
    • Promote Connectedness: Strengthen social bonds, reduce isolation.
    • Promote Hope: Instill belief in recovery and a positive future.
  • Psychological First Aid (PFA): Evidence-informed modular approach for immediate support. Not professional counselling or debriefing.
    • 📌 LLL Action Principles (WHO):
      • Look: Assess for safety, obvious urgent basic needs (food, water, shelter), and individuals with serious distress reactions.
      • Listen: Approach respectfully, ask about needs/concerns, listen actively, help them feel calm.
      • Link: Help access basic needs, connect with loved ones/social support, share accurate information, link with services.

⭐ PFA emphasizes respecting safety, dignity, and rights; it's about providing practical care and support.

Vulnerable Groups & Needs - Shielding the Susceptible

  • Children: PTSD, anxiety, regression, sleep/appetite changes.
    • Needs: Child-friendly spaces, play therapy, routine, family reunification, parental psychoeducation.
  • Elderly: Isolation, neglect, exacerbation of chronic illness, cognitive decline.
    • Needs: Medical access, social support, mobility assistance, clear communication.
  • Pregnant/Lactating Women: ↑Risk of adverse birth outcomes, malnutrition.
    • Needs: Prioritized nutrition, ANC/PNC, safe delivery, infant feeding support.
  • Persons with Disabilities: Loss of assistive devices, access barriers, communication difficulties.
    • Needs: Replacement devices, accessible shelters/services, specialized care.
  • Individuals with Pre-existing Mental Illness: Relapse, symptom worsening, medication disruption.
    • Needs: Medication continuity, crisis support, stigma reduction.

⭐ Children often manifest disaster trauma through regressive behaviors (e.g., thumb-sucking, bedwetting), nightmares, and heightened startle responses.

Trauma and outcomes in migrating childrenoka

Interventions & Community - Pathways to Resilience

  • Community Interventions:
    • Psychoeducation: Normalize stress, promote help-seeking.
    • Support Groups: Peer support, reduce isolation.
    • Skill-Building: Coping strategies, problem-solving.
    • Strengthen social cohesion & community efficacy.
  • HCP Role:
    • Screening: Distress, high-risk individuals.
    • Brief, culturally-adapted interventions.
    • Train & supervise CHWs/volunteers.
    • Coordinate with specialized MH services.
  • Referral & Stepped Care:
    • Referral criteria: Severity, impairment, risk.
    • Linkages: PHC → DH → Specialized Care.
    • Accessible, equitable, culturally sensitive services.

⭐ Community participation is crucial for the success and sustainability of psychosocial interventions in disaster settings (Sphere Standards).

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Psychological First Aid (PFA): primary intervention emphasizing safety, calming, connection.
  • PFA: Look, Listen, Link - assess, support, connect to services.
  • Vulnerable groups (children, elderly, women) need special attention.
  • CISD is controversial; PFA is preferred for immediate response.
  • Strengthen community coping mechanisms and social support.
  • Screening and referral for severe issues (PTSD, depression) is vital.
  • Avoid medicalizing distress; normalize initial stress reactions.

Practice Questions: Psychosocial Support in Disasters

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following is NOT a core component of the WHO's global STI control strategy?

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Flashcards: Psychosocial Support in Disasters

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_____ is discharging existing patients to increase the surge capacity of the hospital to accommodate for the natural disaster.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

_____ is discharging existing patients to increase the surge capacity of the hospital to accommodate for the natural disaster.

Reverse triage

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