May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and as advocates for the wellbeing of all, we wouldn’t miss the opportunity to reflect on how mental health fits into the disaster preparedness and response puzzle. According to this article from the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, “Disaster not only disrupts the quality of life but also creates a significant burden of mental health conditions on an individual and the community. Effective interventions should be given pre, peri and post-disaster period to improve the adverse mental health effects of the disaster.” 

Ahead of, during, or in the wake of disaster, many citizens find themselves simultaneously grappling with the impact of mental and physical trauma. Displacement, loss, and shock impact everyone differently, but most commonly result in a lack of mental wellbeing or stability. And while physical trauma (like injury or displacement) is often addressed through government support or aid initiatives, mental trauma often goes unmentioned and unsupported. Addressing mental health issues following natural disasters is critical, though resources and support are often lacking. 

The Impact of Disaster on Mental Health

When tragedy strikes in the form of a natural disaster – like an earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, or flood – some of the first forms of help to arrive are rescue teams, funding, and supplies. But when the dust settles (literally and figuratively) and communities are left to recover what they’ve lost, it’s important to consider the critical need for mental health support as well. 

(Source: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care)

Displacement creates a sense of insecurity. Families that lose loved ones, their homes, and their belongings are suddenly faced with the need to cope, likely struggling to comprehend the magnitude of what’s happened. At the same time, they have none of their familiar surroundings to rely upon for a sense of routine or belonging. Their ‘creature comforts’ – like a safe place to sleep, family photos, pets, or even things as simple as their favorite books – are no longer available, leaving them with few options for comfort and coping. 

As communities come together to rebuild in the wake of tragedy, it’s common to see touching stories shared throughout the media. These stories often highlight community members working together to clean up, rescue lost animals, or uncover missing items. On the other side of the same coin, however, are those struggling to access basic needs like food, water, or shelter, attempting to contact their insurance companies, beginning to plan funerals for lost loved ones, or facing disruptions to their jobs. It’s clear that the mental load that follows loss or tragedy is immense, and for many victims, can result in short- or long-term PTSD, anxiety, or depression. 

Addressing Disaster-Related Mental Health Concerns

The Prometheus team believes that there’s plenty of room to improve our approach to mental health and wellness before, during, and after disaster strikes. Here’s how: 

1. Comprehensive Post-Disaster Mental Health Care

It starts by acknowledging that mental health is a crucial element of overall well being. We cannot hope to help victims thrive following disaster and displacement if we do not prioritize their emotional and mental wellness. 

Awareness is one of the first steps we can take towards creating more comprehensive mental health care plans. For both citizens and response professionals, acknowledging the mental health impacts of disaster is key.  “Awareness about the importance of post-intervention techniques and their applicability in the affected population has helped the victims in their recovery.” (Source: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care)

By speaking out and increasing attentiveness towards mental health considerations during the planning and implementation phases of disaster preparedness processes, we can begin to make a tangible impact on the effectiveness and availability of post-disaster mental health awareness and care. 

2. Increased Mental Health Training & Response Considerations

Once an overall awareness is established and reinforced throughout disaster preparedness processes, we can better equip responders and support teams with relevant knowledge, tools, and resources. Examples include mental health courses for emergency response crews or search and rescue teams, mental health booklets or guides included with medical supply deliveries, and mental health considerations across temporary housing solutions. 

By increasing opportunities and resources for proper mental health care, victims can benefit from more attention and support in the days and weeks following tragedy. When it comes to support like temporary housing and supply provisions, mental health considerations can be incorporated to further increase wellbeing for displaced citizens. 

Imagine if instead of a tent with four walls and a door, displaced citizen camps were equipped with cell phone chargers, gym equipment, games and card tables, or designated community gathering areas. Instead of simply caring for people’s need for shelter, you can compound the benefits of disaster response aid by also nurturing their sense of community and overall well being. 

By providing and prioritizing outlets for routine, mental health, and connection, we can begin to make an impact on overall recovery following disaster. 

3. Nurturing Resilience in Affected Communities 

“Resilience plays a vital role and acts as an effective measure. Most affected individuals recover with time, with the help of effective post-intervention techniques and their individual strengths.” (Source: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care)

By acknowledging the need for increased attention towards mental health, improved training for responders, and opportunities for improvements across response tactics, we can take big steps towards truly nurturing resilience in affected communities. Resilience is a critically valuable trait that can be instilled in populations to help them recover and thrive individually and as a group. 

Nurturing resilience looks different depending on the situation and specific community needs, but can include: 

• Shifted news coverage to focus on morale, direct citizens to resources, and encourage connectivity
• Community responder outreach to reconnect neighbors and families, answer questions, and provide support
• Virtual or in-person buddy systems to help citizens avoid isolation, depression, and withdrawal from society 
• Community events to reinforce connectivity and strengthen support systems while bringing citizens outlets for joy, friendship, and fun

The overall result of nurtured resilience? Increased likelihood that citizens are able to overcome mental health obstacles and remain focused on recovery in the wake of disaster. By prioritizing connectivity, citizens can find comfort in each other, find strength in community, and find optimism through it all. 

Nurture Resilience During May and Beyond

Resilience and mental health initiatives aren’t only reserved for recovery or disaster-related efforts. In fact, there’s no bad time to focus on reinforcing our own resilience and nurturing mental health or promoting mental health awareness within our communities. This month – and every month – we urge you to connect with others, strengthen your sense of community, and prioritize mental health.