Disaster Mental Health Public Health Seattle & King County

Key Concepts of Disaster Mental Health: n Disaster stress and grief reactions are normal responses to an abnormal situation n Social support systems are crucial to recovery after a disaster n Most people pull together and function during and after a disaster but their effectiveness is diminished

Does a Person Have to be Directly Affected by an Event to Experience Stress Responses? n No, people can experience stress responses: –Witnessing a traumatic event (eye witness or television) –Learning of a family or friend’s traumatic experience

Factors Influencing Response to Traumatic Events: n Degree and nature of exposure n Developed coping mechanisms or strategies n Available resources and support n Ability to understand what has happened n Personal meaning of the event n Developmental level

Populations at Risk for Psychiatric Problems Following a Traumatic Stress n Those exposed to the dead and injured n The elderly or the very young n People with a history of previous exposure to traumatic events

Populations at Risk for Psychiatric Problems Following a Traumatic Stress Continued: n People with other major life stressors n People with poor support systems n Those with chronic medical or psychological disorders

What are Normal Responses to Traumatic Events?

Normal Reactions: n Profound sadness, grief and anger n Feelings of depression and anxiousness n Loss of interest in usual activities n Numbness or lack of feeling n Edginess, irritability n Trouble sleeping or concentrating

Behavioral Changes: n Change in appetite (more or less than usual) n Increased substance use n Interpersonal conflict

Physical Signs and Symptoms: n Fatigue n Muscle spasms or aches n Nausea, diarrhea, stomach aches n Headaches n High blood pressure n Shortness of breath, tightening in chest or throat n Sexual problems

Signs You or Your Co-Worker May Need Assistance Dealing with Stress: n You feel overwhelmed and unable to cope n Responses interfere significantly with your ability to function in daily activities n Symptoms worsen over a month or more

Signs You or Your Co-Worker May Need Assistance Dealing with Stress Continued: n You are experiencing several signs/symptoms at once or for days at a time n Abusive behavior towards self, (including drinking too much or thoughts of suicide), or others n Stress is making you physically sick

Individual Ways of Managing Stress: n Exercise n Eat well and avoid junk food, caffeine or alcohol n Get adequate sleep and rest

Individual Ways of Managing Stress Continued: n Meditate n Recharge your batteries by taking a bath, listening to music, reading etc. n Take time out for hobbies and other enjoyable activities n Maintain contact with social support system

Individual Ways of Managing Stress Continued: n Talk about your experiences and feelings with someone you trust n If television or other news sources make you feel worse then don’t watch or read them

Educate yourself on stress responses, ways to cope and when and where to get help: n Recognize early warning signs n Accept you may need help in assessing your level of stress n Use a buddy system where you monitor each other for stress

Organizational Ways to Lessen Stress During an Event: n Clear chain of command n Available supervisors n Shifts of no more than 12 hours n Regular briefing on what’s happening n Clear purpose and goals n Define roles by function

Develop a Management Plan for Stress: n Frequently assess worker’s functioning n Encourage breaks n Educate about signs of stress and coping strategies n Facilitate access to individual and group counseling

Available Resources for Public Health Staff: n Employee Assistance Program – s/mle.htm

Community Resources: n 24-hour Crisis Line: – (206) , CRISIS n Community Information Line: – (M-F 8am-6pm): (206) , INFO n Seattle Chapter of American Red Cross –(206) , Web site: n Local churches

Web Resources: n sources.htm n