Disaster mental health: Current status and future directions

Abstract

In times of disaster, emergency mental health services must be delivered in the field. This chapter reviews the current state of the literature and future trends in disaster mental health.

Promoting resilience in the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: Psychological interventions for intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians and family members.

“…The effective strategy was the psychologist’s support to the team at certain fixed times in the day during the frenetic daily activity. Defusing is the process intended to facilitate the expression of staff’s thoughts and emotions without feeling obliged to do so (Young et al, 1998), such as through a short informal conversation for small groups or for individual clinicians. Defusing was often carried out in the kitchen or break areas because they were perceived as emotionally clean areas.…”

Psychosocial and Mental Health Problems of Older People in Postearthquake Nepal

“…It would seem obvious that the exposure to an event like an earthquake and frequent aftershocks would induce feelings of fear, helplessness, and vulnerability in all age groups. However, older people are more affected by these events because of their preexisting chronic health conditions, impaired cognitive abilities due to aging, and decreased sensory awareness (Young, Ford, Ruzek, Friedman, & Gusman, 1998).…”

Trauma Rehabilitation After War and Conflict

“…Objectives and interventions vary with the domain of relevance and the timing of the intervention ( de Jong, 2002;van Der Veer, 1998;Young, Ford, Ruzek, Friedman, & Gusman, 1998;Young, Ruzek, & Gusman, 1999;Young, 2006). Immediately following any conflict, establishing a safe environment and finding shelter are essential foundations for the survivor's mental health.…”

“…Several weeks after the outbreak of violence, interventions generally focus on community education, in order to develop community awareness of the potential effects of the event, to foster community resilience, and to promote methods of coping. Approximately 4 months after the event, which is during the restoration phase of trauma rehabilitation, more traditional mental-health services are employed (NIMH, 2002;Young et al, 1998;Young et al, 1999). Hershenson (1998) developed a systemic ecological model for rehabilitation counseling practice.…”