Surviving the Pandemic; Mental Health Issues October 12, 2006 Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI Barb Biddick LPC, Mental Health Team American Red Cross-Badger Chapter

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs  5. Self-Actualization  4. Status (Esteem)  3. Love/Belonging  2. Safety  1. Physiological (biological needs)

Surviving the Pandemic  A virus that has never infected humans before causes pandemic flu.  Vaccinations won’t be available until the virus is identified & a vaccine produced. This development can take several months.  Avoid crowds.  Wash hands.  Plan ahead. U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 2006

CDC 8/2006

Antiviral Drug  U.S. Dept. of HHS Secretary Leavitt announces GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is awarded a contract of $16,833,000 to provide zanamivir (Relenza) to all 50 states, the Dist. Of Columbia, 5 U.S. territories, & 3 Freely Associated States of the Pacific at a subsidized price. 7/20/2006  This covers 25% of the population.

Surviving the Pandemic  Virologist Robert G. Webster states: -We may have 5 years to prepare Time for scientists to develop, manufacture and stock pile new seed stocks for vaccines and antiviral medications, such as Relenza and Tamiflu. -Until then, get flu shots and pneumonia shots. -Practice good hygiene; hand washing, don’t shake hands. Fall 2006 AARP The Magazine Fall 2006 AARP The Magazine

Related Mental Health Issues  Fear of the unknown  Possible chaos (panic, anger) leading to crisis events  Those who are currently in crisis  Those who are chronically mentally ill  Stress of surviving and functioning for months before vaccine is produced  Communication needs  Scarcity of resources  Grief and loss concerns  Cumulative stress

Prevent Fear & Chaos  Plan, Plan, Plan –Regularly provide accurate, up to date information with clear directives. –Develop planning relationships with local agencies such DHHS, Law Enforcement, Hospitals, Medical Clinics, Schools, Businesses, etc. –Governmental bodies determine a priority list:  Who receives treatment first? Healthcare workers, children, etc.  Vaccine, anti-viral meds, ventilators, etc.

Surviving the Pandemic  Michael Leavitt, Secretary of Health & Human Services warns that if the avian flu comes, we shouldn’t count on help from the federal government.  Plan, prepare:

Survival Stress  Reduce stress reactions by planning –Stockpile food, water, medicines, household supplies for 3 months. –Save money in case your employment is closed. –Plan to be homebound for a period of time. –Communicate with others via phone, . –Plan for displacement of family members. –Prepare wills, living wills, & health care proxies.

Crisis Response  Critical Incident Stress –Dysfunctional families in crisis –Accidents (More travel in cars than air or rail) –Shootings –Sexual Assaults –Suicides –Disasters –Fires/Floods

Crisis Response  Understanding cognitive, behavioral, physical, and emotional reactions. What is normal; when do I need psychological help?  The impact of info taken in through the 5 senses.  Crisis Lines, talk about it  Distribution of literature  Video cameras via internet  Self care information via media sources  Distribution of goods, food, water

Grief & Loss  Funerals –Done via video feed, internet? –More cremation? –Support groups via conference calls, chat rooms

Communication Needs  Avoid isolation  Will our technology systems be adequate in case of overload?  Work at home, personal communication  Security of systems  Crisis lines

Scarcity of Resources  Prepare  Prioritize  Contagion on transported goods  Fear, worry, anger, frustration  Instant gratification unlikely  Underground, black market  Barter

Cumulative Stress  One stressor after another or stressors running concurrently  Affects immune system  Affects coping ability  Depression  Survivor guilt  Feeling overwhelmed

Any Positives?  Altruistic acts  Appreciation of life prior to pandemic  Quality time with families  Human resourcefulness  Resiliency  Art, writing; documenting history  Lessons learned