Respond
DURING A DISASTER
It can be helpful to think of the experience of disaster as comprising two phases: the acute or immediate phase of a disaster as it occurs, and the rebuilding or recovery phase, which may unfold over a period of months or years. Both phases can bring with them unique stressors.
As health practitioners, and depending on your professional role, it is important to be competent in the use of mental health strategies applicable to both phases of disaster, and the range of mental health needs that might arise. In this section you will find links to information, resources and training programs that will help you as you respond to the mental health needs of disaster-impacted individuals and communities.
WATCH OUR VIDEO FOR MORE INFORMATION
VIDEO IS 1:24 IN LENGTH CLICK HERE FOR TRANSCRIPT
EMPLOY evidence-informed or evidence-based strategies at the right times
REFER to your mental health disaster preparation plan and resources
CONSIDER the need to ‘step-up’ levels of care and refer individuals to the relevant mental health services as necessary
ENGAGE in self-care
Health practitioners, health professional groups, governments and other organisations increasingly recognise that there are interventions that can be provided during and immediately after a disaster to help support the psychological wellbeing of individuals and communities.
As health practitioners our ability to meet the mental health needs of disaster-impacted individuals in a timely fashion will be enhanced when we are competent in the use of strategies such as Psychological First Aid, or simple psychological strategies designed to address transient psychosocial difficulties. The use of Psychological First Aid, or PFA, sits within a stepped-care approach to the provision of mental health services and is considered a Level 1 intervention, best implemented as a disaster unfolds and in its aftermath. PFA involves the timely provision of meaningful information and practical support and can be offered by a range of practitioners; training as a mental health professional is not necessary.
WATCH THIS VIDEO TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE PRINCIPLES THAT UNDERPIN THE USE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID
VIDEO IS 6:12 IN LENGTH – CLICK HERE FOR TRANSCRIPT
‘Social capital’ refers to the connections, reciprocity and trust among people and groups.
‘Cultural capital’ refers to the way people understand and know the world, and how they act within it.
‘Financial capital’ refers to the availability of and access to resources.
‘Social capital’ refers to the connections, reciprocity and trust among people and groups.
‘Cultural capital’ refers to the way people understand and know the world, and how they act within it.
‘Financial capital’ refers to the availability of and access to resources.
‘Natural capital’ refers to natural resources and beauty, and the overall health of ecosystems.
