Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Support Following a Disaster: A Corporate Social Responsibility and Humanitarian Approach

Abstract

In the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding in Derna caused by Storm Daniel in September 2023, a comprehensive psychosocial support (PSS) initiative was implemented as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to address the significant mental health needs of the affected population. Led by three psychologists, the initiative focused on immediate and structured mental health support through individual and group sessions. The team attended locations where displaced individuals were residing after the disaster. A total of 111 adults and 95 children participated voluntarily following informed consent. Most adults experienced the loss of a family member, damage to their homes, and witnessed fatalities. The mental health status of adults was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). These tools highlighted the extent of psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. A total of 211 interventions for adults were implemented, including individual sessions, group sessions, and follow-up sessions. Individual sessions provided personalized counselling, while group therapy fostered a sense of community and shared experience, which is essential for psychological healing. Severe cases were referred for further mental health support. The psychological status of participating children was also assessed. Many exhibited behavioural changes, emotional disturbances, and physical symptoms such as nightmares, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. Individual and group sessions for children included tailored interventions like storytelling, drawing therapy, and group activities to develop coping mechanisms. This mental health initiative highlighted the importance of CSR efforts, playing a pivotal role in humanitarian support during such events. The intervention successfully identified and began addressing severe mental health issues within the flood-affected population, offering immediate psychological relief and establishing a foundation for long-term support strategies. It emphasized the need to combine professional mental health services with community-based support systems to build resilience and facilitate recovery. The PSS initiative in Derna was crucial in mitigating the disaster's mental health impact, underscoring the importance of sustained and integrated mental health support in post-disaster recovery and the humanitarian approach through CSR.