UNIT 8_DISASTER AND MENTAL HEALTH

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Created by
REYMOND VERBA

Cards (35)

  • Those who are most likely to experience severe psychological reactions, impairment of function, and potential psychopathology are those who have experienced:
    1. Intense Exposure
    2. Loss of a loved one
    3. Major disruption of basic needs and services
    4. Prior trauma
    5. Major life stressors
  • Stress - is normal. However, intense or prolonged stress, such as that caused by a natural disaster, can overtax a person's ability to adapt and may affect a person's mood, impair his ability to experience pleasure, and harm his body.
  • The effects of stress are illustrated in the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model developed by Hans Selye; alarm, resistance, and exhaustion
  • Acute stress disorder (ASD) - typically occurs within one month of a traumatic event. Symptoms are similar to those seen in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), however, this disorder is temporary, lasting from a few days to a month. Some people with this disorder can go on to develop PTSD.
  • Common symptoms of ASD:
    1. Intrusive Thoughts and Memories
    2. Nightmares
    3. Avoidance of Reminders
    4. Hyperarousal
  • Intrusive Thoughts and Memories - Flashbacks: Vivid, () of the traumatic event that can feel like they're happening in the present moment.
  • Nightmares - Frequent, disturbing dreams related to the traumatic event.
  • Avoidance of Reminders - People, places, or activities: Avoiding anything that reminds the person of the traumatic event. Thoughts and feelings: Suppressing thoughts and feelings associated with the trauma.
  • Hyperarousal - Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia, trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep. Irritability: Feeling easily agitated or annoyed. Hypervigilance: Constant alertness and a heightened sense of danger. Startle response: Exaggerated physical reactions to sudden noises or unexpected events.
  • EXAMPLES OF TRAUMATIC EVENTS INCLUDE:
    • Natural disasters, such as a tornado, fire, or flood.
    • Sexual assault
    • Physical assault
    • Verbal abuse
    • Witnessing bodily harm or death
    • Serious accidents, such as a car accident Experiencing a severe injury or sudden illness
    • War
  • Anxiety disorder - is a medical condition that entails extreme worrying, fear, nervousness, and inability to relax. Everyone has feelings of () when faced with threatening or stressful situations such as disaster events. However, people with () have intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Therefore, it can significantly interfere with the ability of the person to function in daily life.
  • Anxiety disorder includes:
    • physiological symptoms
    • psychological symptoms
  • TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS:
    1. POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
    2. SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER
  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - is a disorder that can develop in people who have experienced a severe traumatic event such as:
    1. natural disaster
    2. serious accident
    3. a terrorist act
    4. war
    5. rape, or other violent personal assault.
  • PTSD SYMPTOMS ARE COMMONLY GROUPED INTO:
    1. Avoidance
    2. Intrusive memories
    3. Negative changes in thinking and mood
    4. Changes in Physical and Emotional reactions
  • Human-made disasters are more likely to cause
    PTSD than natural disasters. Women are also more affected by PTSD than men.
  • ex. PTSD SOLDIERS STATIONED AT WAR IN MARAWI CITY - The Armed Forces of the Philippines acknowledges PTSD among soldiers, especially those who have survived brutal encounters with groups like the Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao. For years now, the military has held stress debriefing programs for soldiers in an effort to reduce the risk of PTSD.
  • Substance Abuse Disorder - is a treatable mental disorder that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications.
  • PFA or PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID - First line and immediate intervention for distress. It is a humane, supportive response to a fellow human being who is suffering and who may need support. It is NOT professional counseling. It is NOT a clinical or psychiatric intervention. It is NOT a long term intervention.
  • Psychological First Aid can help everyone— children, adolescents, adults, elders, families, and communities who have been exposed to a traumatic or emergency incident, including responders and support service providers.
  • Psychological First Aid is designed to be simple and practical so that it can be used in any setting. It can be provided anywhere that trauma survivors can be found in shelters, schools, hospitals, private homes, the workplace, and community settings.
  • THE ACTION PRINCIPLES OF PFA
    • LOOK
    • LISTEN
    • LINK
  • LOOK
    • Assess the situation
    • Observe the person
    • Prioritize needs
  • Assess the situation - This involves understanding the immediate situation and identifying any potential dangers.
  • Observe the person - Pay attention to their physical appearance, behavior, and emotional state.
  • Prioritize needs - Determine the person's most urgent needs, whether they are physical or emotional.
  • LISTEN
    • Active listening
    • Validate feelings
    • Encourage expression
  • Active listening - Give the person your full attention, maintain eye contact, and use verbal and nonverbal cues to show you're engaged.
  • Validate feelings - Acknowledge and validate the person's emotions, even if you don't fully understand them.
  • Encourage expression - Create a safe and supportive environment where the person feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
  • LINK
    • Connect with support
    • Provide information
    • Refer to professionals
  • Connect with support - Help the person connect with their existing support system, such as family, friends, or community resources.
  • Provide information - Offer practical information and advice, but avoid giving unsolicited advice or making judgments.
  • Refer to professionals - If necessary, refer the person to mental health professionals or other appropriate services.
  • PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID TIPS
    • Promote safety
    • Promote calm
    • Promote connectedness
    • Promote self-efficacy
    • Promote hope