When disasters hit, they frequently unleash psychosocial repercussions that vary according to the type of disaster. Natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, according to Makwana (2019), induce initial shock and disbelief, followed by emotional responses such as anxiety, sadness, and grief. Because people are frequently compelled to leave their houses, these incidents can disrupt communal life, causing feelings of loss and displacement (Makwana, 2019). The stress of rebuilding and the uncertainty of what comes next can contribute to long-term mental health difficulties such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety disorders.
Human-caused disasters, on the other hand, such as industrial accidents or terrorist activities, can elicit feelings of rage and betrayal, in addition to fear and horror. Trust in authorities and organizations can suffer significant harm, resulting in societal tension and a sense of helplessness (Vestergren et al., 2022). The deliberate nature of these actions frequently increases the psychological impact, resulting in increased suffering and complicated mourning. Survivors may struggle with the need for justice or retaliation, and communities may become politicized, hindering the healing process (Vestergren et al., 2022). Psychosocial repercussions of all forms of disasters can have long-term consequences for individuals and communities alike.
Following a calamity, nurses are essential in attending to the basic psychological and social needs of victims. Being a supportive presence in the middle of the turmoil can help to provide a sense of serenity and assurance (Firouzkouhi et al., 2021). Active listening is a therapeutic method that nurses can use to help people articulate their feelings and experiences. Additionally, reducing anxiety resulting from uncertainty can be accomplished by clearly outlining the services that are available and delivering direction on what to expect next (Firouzkouhi et al., 2021). Nurses must get training in recognizing acute stress reaction symptoms and being ready to send patients to mental health specialists when needed.
Another important factor to consider is the formation of communal solid relationships. Organizing support groups that unite survivors with comparable experiences is one of the crucial roles played by nurses in this domain. Firouzkouhi et al. (2021) state that doing so fosters a sense of community and lessens emotions of powerlessness and loneliness. Moreover, nurses can actively encourage community participation in the healing process, which promotes empowerment and group healing in addition to aiding in actual reconstruction (Firouzkouhi et al., 2021). Nurses can also promote disaster preparedness initiatives and assist in their growth. In the end, this helps to mitigate possible long-term detrimental impacts on mental health by ensuring that communities are better prepared to address the psychosocial ramifications of future catastrophes.
Firefighters, police, and paramedics are often the first to witness disaster situations, which can have a lasting influence on their mental health. Repeated exposure to life-threatening conditions, human suffering, and the potential for personal harm can lead to chronic stress and psychological strain (Lewis-Schroeder et al., 2018). This ongoing stress can manifest as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a condition known as compassion fatigue, where individuals become indifferent to the suffering they witness due to overexposure (Lewis-Schroeder et al., 2018). The nature of their work can also disrupt their personal lives, leading to difficulties in relationships and social interactions, further compounding their stress.
To mitigate these effects, first responder agencies must implement support systems and strategies. Regular debriefing sessions following disaster responses help first responders process their experiences and emotions. Access to counseling services and mental health support should be readily available and encouraged without stigma (Lewis-Schroeder et al., 2018). There is also a growing emphasis on the importance of resilience training before exposure to trauma, equipping first responders with coping mechanisms and psychological preparedness for dealing with disaster situations (Lewis-Schroeder et al., 2018). Ensuring that first responders have adequate rest, recovery time between deployments, and peer support can help in managing the cumulative psychological toll of disaster trauma.
Following a large-scale disaster, community reactions can be diverse and complex, beginning with a sense of shock. As individuals try to realize the scope of the disaster and its impact on their lives and loved ones, there is frequently a scramble for correct information and resources. The uncertainty and loss of control are apparent during this moment, which is characterized by high levels of worry and anguish. Communities may go through a “honeymoon” period in which there is a surge of communal bonding as well as a sense of collaboration and altruism (Speis et al., 2019). People band together to help one another, demonstrating incredible tenacity and unity in the face of hardship.
However, once long-term rehabilitation begins, the initial intimacy may deteriorate, resulting in frustration and catastrophe fatigue. When reconstruction is slow, resentment and fury may arise, especially if the reaction is inadequate. According to Hamideh et al. (2019), long-term home displacement and interruptions in daily life might result in collective grieving and a desire for normalcy. Following the catastrophe, social and economic imbalances may emerge, resulting in communal strife. Maintaining community morale and a cohesive recovery process necessitates effective communication and equitable assistance.
Disaster responders must receive in-depth psychological training in order to handle stress and assist individuals affected by a disaster. According to Lewis-Schroeder et al. (2018), this training should cover knowledge of typical psychological reactions to trauma, such as shock, denial, acute stress, and grief. Psychological first aid (PFA) is a tried-and-true technique that responders should know how to administer to victims of disasters. It helps people feel less stressed and adjust to their surroundings more easily. Furthermore, communication tactics that consider the cultural and individual diversity within the impacted population should be included in the training.
Aside from PFA, disaster responders should be trained to recognize and treat mental health illnesses such as suicidal ideation and acute panic attacks. Professional mental health services require long-term psychosocial support activities such as support groups and mental health referral channels (Lewis-Schroeder et al., 2018). Responders should develop self-care methods to avoid compassion fatigue and burnout in order to remain prosperous and healthy. Regular debriefings and mental health care should be included in the training to ensure that responders can help without jeopardizing their mental health.
Supporting disaster survivors requires urgent and long-term actions. Therapies should address emotional, psychological, and practical issues related to trauma. First, psychological first aid (PFA) creates a safe space and provides comfort and practical help (Birkhead & Vermeulen, 2018). PFA lets survivors communicate their wants and concerns and connects them to social assistance and services. This method promotes resilience and compassion for survivors’ autonomy.
Long-term therapy, whether individual or group, aids in the resolution of traumatic events and the management of stress, anxiety, and depression. CBT is particularly successful at helping survivors reframe negative thoughts and manage ongoing issues (Leiva-Bianchi et al., 2018). Community support programs can help survivors heal and recover by connecting them and offering a space for shared experiences and support (Leiva-Bianchi et al., 2018). Interventions should also prioritize routine and normalcy. This can help survivors restore control and stability. Involving survivors in reconstruction and decision-making empowers them and promotes communal rehabilitation.
PTSD is a mental illness that develops after a traumatic incident. People living with PTSD may have intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks that feel genuine (Bryant, 2019). These episodes often cause considerable emotional and physical distress like trauma. Victims may avoid people, places, activities, items, and circumstances that may bring up painful memories. This avoidance can significantly limit their life, causing social and occupational withdrawal.
In addition to re-experiencing and avoidance, PTSD causes negative thoughts and moods. Distorted self or other perceptions may include continuous blame or unpleasant emotions like fear, rage, guilt, or humiliation (Bryant, 2019). Victims may also feel isolated from loved ones. Arousal and reactivity changes in PTSD can include being easily startled, feeling on edge, having trouble concentrating, and having sleep disruptions (Bryant, 2019). Managing these symptoms requires a variety of treatment strategies since they impede personal, social, occupational, and other critical functions.
Following trauma, psychological debriefing may have various benefits. First, it offers immediate emotional support and a space to discuss trauma and its effects (Vignaud et al., 2022). This can help victims release their feelings safely. By sharing experiences with people who have undergone similar situations, psychological debriefing helps normalize reactions and reduce feelings of loneliness (Vignaud et al., 2022). It helps spread knowledge about typical stress reactions, appropriate coping skills, and when to seek professional help. Debriefing and community bonding can create a support network that can help with recovery.
However, psychological debriefing has risks and drawbacks. Some say it worsens trauma symptoms. Telling traumatic events soon after they happen may re-traumatize or solidify memories (Vignaud et al., 2022). Debriefing may also disrupt natural coping and rehabilitation, as not all trauma survivors need the same level of support. A one-time debriefing session may not be suitable for everyone and may ignore the need for more personalized or long-term help (Vignaud et al., 2022). Given these issues, psychological debriefing should be used cautiously and as part of a more tailored mental health response plan.
References
Birkhead, G. S., & Vermeulen, K. (2018). Sustainability of Psychological First Aid Training for the Disaster Response Workforce. American journal of public health, 108(S5), S381–S382. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304643
Bryant, R. A. (2019). Post‐traumatic stress disorder: a state‐of‐the‐art review of evidence and challenges. World psychiatry, 18(3), 259–269.
Firouzkouhi, M., Kako, M., Abdollahimohammad, A., Balouchi, A., & Farzi, J. (2021). Nurses’ Roles in Nursing Disaster Model: A Systematic Scoping Review. Iranian journal of public health, 50(5), 879–887. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v50i5.6105
Hamideh, S., Sen, P., & Fischer, E. (2022). Wildfire impacts on education and healthcare: Paradise, California, after the Camp Fire. Natural hazards, 1-35.
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Vestergren, S., Uysal, M. S., & Tekin, S. (2022). Do disasters trigger protests? A conceptual view of the connection between disasters, injustice, and demonstrations—The case of COVID-19. Frontiers in Political Science, 4, 836420.
Vignaud, P., Lavallé, L., Brunelin, J., & Prieto, N. (2022). Are psychological debriefing groups after a potentially traumatic event suitable to prevent the symptoms of PTSD? Psychiatry Research, 311, 114503.
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