Disaster : Emotional Effect

The impact of disaster is beyond what we can imagine. What's more is that it does not only affect physical, but mental as well. No one who experiences a disaster is untouched by it. Losing their loved ones and the properties they own (house, vehicle, livestock) in just a blink, has shattered their lives.

• Warning and Threat Phase : The length of this phase varies, depends on the event. For an instance, in flooding case, there are usually several days of warning that give people time to prepare.

• Impact/Inventory : . Disaster victims may be stunned or confused after the disaster occurred. Yet, they somehow quickly recover and start focus on protecting themselves and their family.Reactions to the impact of the disaster depend on warning and preparedness activities, the level of destruction and the success of the local and state emergency response. The inventory phase follows the event immediately as people start forming a preliminary picture of individual and community condition.

• Heroic : During this rescue or heroic phase, the victims work together to save lives and property. For those who have not lose their loved ones, this may be a period of euphoria and boundless altruism. They are willing to put forth energy to help others. However, this phase also likely to be a time of shock or denial, protecting the person from intense emotions.

• Honeymoon : For a brief time, a week to several months later, those who have experienced disaster are likely to share feelings of common purpose and mutual support. Relief efforts are in full swing and hope recovery run high.

• Disillusionment : This phase can range from two months up to two years. People experience feelings of frustration, disappointment, anger and bitterness especially if the promises for assistance and help are not fulfilled or are seen as too little or too late. The "shared community" feeling may gradually be lost as people concentrate on rebuilding their own lives and solving individual problems.

• Reconstruction/Recovery :For several years after the disaster, people start focusing in rebuilding their homes. businesses and life patterns although support systems may have helped them cope with their immediate needs and emotional responses.
  

The local condition should be assessed ; the victims' cultural aspect, local wisdom, their perception towards disaster and illness and their priorities. The evaluation of the mental status of the people who are affected need to be done regularly. Every single psychiatric symptoms finding should be considered as important and should be given a prompt treatment.

Dealing with one's emotions, is part of all health care workers' duty; be it doctors, nurses, or paramedics. It is important aspect need to be pointed out when handling disaster victims. A simple communication might boost the victims and help them to recover even better, with minimal emotional impact.


References :
1. Back to Business : Health Recovery - Stress Management

2. Psychosocial Issues for Older Adults in Disasters

3. Disaster Mental Health Primer : Key Principles, Issues and Questions

4. Lecture Note : Disaster Management in Mental Health by dr. Bambang Hastha Yoga, Sp. KJ