Management of the Psychosocial Effects of Disasters

Early psychosocial intervention after disaster: Psychological first aid

“…These include: (a) Prevention of re-traumatization by limiting the number of times a person must tell their story; (b) prevention of new trauma by limiting exposure of all non-essential personnel to the disaster site; and (c) prevention of pathologizing distress by not labeling common reactions as diagnosable psychiatric problems. If this last step is not taken, people with mental health issues will often avoid seeking assistance (Meeker, Plum & Veenema, 2013).…”

“…In many cases, PFA Core Actions can mitigate escalating frustration or maladaptive behaviors that can interfere with healthy coping. Also, nonprofessional but educated PFA workers can identify survivors and responders at risk or those that may need more professional long-term mental health support because of social or occupational decline, and initiate early referrals (Meeker et al, 2013). This program is endorsed by the NCTSN, the NACCHO and the NCPTSD, which are U.S. national resources for developing and disseminating evidence-informed interventions, trauma education and psychological consequences of trauma.…”