The Significance of Community Support for Survivors of a Natural Disaster

Abstract

Abstract:This community based participatory research study was conducted in Oso, WA. Ten survivors of the 2014 mudslide participated in a focus group and discussed their experiences before and after this natural disaster. Findings revealed that the majority of participants had feelings of confusion/redundancy and were still processing feelings of grief and loss at the time of the focus group. Another finding was the strong sense of community expressed by all participants and the high level of support participants provided to each other during and after the mudslide. The study also highlighted the need for mental health resources to be part of any disaster relief plan because survivors need emotional support. Finally, findings demonstrated the importance of outside relief organizations seeking input from community members prior to implementing disaster relief; findings highlighted the significance of utilizing the high level of knowledge regarding area landslides expressed by members of the Oso community.

Long-Term Mental Health Effects of a Devastating Wildfire Are Amplified by Sociodemographic and Clinical Antecedents in College Students

“…The availability of mental health support is a key factor to the recovery. 10 Continued assessment of the students attending Keyano College and provision of low cost, high impact interventions, such as daily supportive text messaging, [65][66][67] will enhance the available literature and can help guide policy-makers to develop tailored strategies to assist this population in the future.…”

“…9 Natural disasters frequently have lasting consequences on mental health, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and alcohol and substance use disorders. [10][11][12] PTSD and depression are the most commonly assessed and treated mental health complications after a natural disaster. 13 Early diagnosis and treatment of mental health complications are key to improving prognosis.…”

Long-Term Mental Health Effects of a Devastating Wildfire Are Amplified by Socio-Demographic and Clinical Antecedents in Elementary and High School Staff

“…Much of the current research on natural disasters focuses on planning for preparedness, response, and recovery, and often overlooks the long-term mental health complications that are associated with surviving a natural disaster (14). However, the research that has been completed has found that natural disasters lead to far-reaching consequences such as major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), PTSD, and alcohol and substance use disorders (15)(16)(17)(18). The most commonly assessed and treated mental health complications after a disaster are PTSD and MDD (19).…”