More often than not, conversations surrounding natural disaster preparedness and response focus on tactical actions, infrastructure, and immediate relief efforts that directly address the impact of a weather event. And while these elements of disaster response are critical, we cannot neglect to consider the psychosocial needs of individuals in affected communities.
As we’ve already discussed, mental health care is a crucial element of response plans, allowing us to prioritize the bigger picture of comprehensive care for affected communities. By taking these insights one step further, we can explore effective strategies for providing necessary psychosocial support measures before, during, and following a natural disaster.
Defining Psychosocial Support
Psychosocial support encompasses specific interventions that are aimed at addressing the emotional, psychosocial, and social well-being of individuals and communities in need. More specifically, “the psychosocial approach looks at individuals in the context of the combined influence that psychological factors and the surrounding social environment have on their physical and mental wellness and their ability to function.” (Source: Wikipedia)
Unlike physical injuries that are immediately visible and disruptive, the psychological impact of a disaster can go unnoticed while being equally devastating.
Natural disaster survivors often experience trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that can disrupt their ability to recover and rebuild long after the physical cleanup is done.
Incorporating psychosocial support into preparedness and response plans allows us to help nations mitigate the long-term consequences of disasters in their communities. If the goal is to foster resilience among affected populations, then addressing the psychosocial needs of those populations is key, resulting in better, healthier community cohesion.
Opportunities for Implementation
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a globally recognized approach to providing immediate support to individuals in distress, usually after a disaster or traumatic event. Trained responders can offer practical assistance, emotional support, and information or resources to help survivors cope. PFA training equips responders with the skills to assess needs, listen empathetically, and connect survivors with additional support, if needed.
Access the WHO’s PFA manual in English, or browse other available languages.
Community-based support groups
Community-based support groups can be established within affected communities to create safe spaces for individuals to share openly about their experiences, express emotions, process trauma, or receive support from their peers. These groups provide a sense of belonging and solidarity, which can ultimately reduce feelings of isolation. By promoting psychological healing, facilitators trained in trauma-informed care can help survivors cope and build resilience through guided discussion.
Mental health counseling and therapy
Mental health counseling and therapy are necessary resources to provide affected communities. Access to professional mental health services can allow individuals in severe psychological distress to cope and heal. Governments and humanitarian organizations should ensure the availability of trained counselors and therapists to offer evidence-based interventions (like cognitive-behavioral therapy) to address trauma symptoms effectively.
Psychosocial support for vulnerable populations
Psychosocial support for vulnerable populations must be available. Groups including young people, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities may be disproportionately affected by disasters and should receive equitable care. Tailored psychosocial interventions, including child-friendly spaces and psychosocial support for caregivers, are essential for meeting the unique needs of these groups.
Integration in disaster preparedness and response plans
Integration in disaster preparedness and response plans is what enables psychosocial support to remain accessible to all. By incorporating psychosocial measures into all phases of disaster management, including training for emergency responders, integrated mental health assessments, and established referral pathways to shelters and facilities, we can comprehensively address all health concerns for affected communities.
Leading By Example: Nations Prioritizing Psychosocial Support
Japan
With a long history of seismic activity, Japan continues to set a standard for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response plans, including robust psychosocial support measures. Following a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011, Japan implemented initiatives that included community-based mental health programs, school-based counseling services, and public awareness campaigns to promote general mental wellness. The Japanese government also integrated intentional psychological support into emergency shelters and healthcare facilities, which ensures that survivors have access to mental health services alongside physical assistance if needed.
Norway
Recognized for a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and psychosocial support, The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) emphasizes the importance of addressing psychosocial needs in disaster management. By providing guidance and resources for municipalities, local organizations can develop comprehensive response plans. Norway’s impressive disaster response framework includes provisions for psychosocial support training for emergency responders, crisis counseling services, and community resilience-building initiatives. This focus on mental health and social cohesion contributes to an overall effective response to disasters, including the 2011 terrorist attacks in Oslo and Utøya.
New Zealand
In the wake of the devastating earthquakes in Christchurch in 2010 and 2011, New Zealand has taken significant steps towards integrating psychosocial support into its disaster preparedness and response efforts. The Ministry of Health collaborates with local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and mental health professionals to prioritize psychosocial needs throughout each phase of disaster management. This approach includes initiatives like psychological first aid training, community resilience programs, and specialized support services for vulnerable populations. By prioritizing these measures, New Zealand aims to build a more resilient society that can cope effectively if the need arises.
These examples demonstrate how countries across the globe are recognizing the importance of psychosocial support, and taking proactive steps to integrate it into their practices. By learning from these experiences and sharing best practices, nations can strengthen their overarching capacity to support the well-being of individuals and communities in affected areas.
Psychosocial support isn’t just a humanitarian imperative, but also a strategic investment in community resilience and well-being.
By recognizing the psychological impact of disasters and implementing evidence-based interventions, Prometheus believes that nations can mitigate human suffering while promoting recovery and contributing to stronger communities. In the face of adversity, and as we navigate an increasingly unpredictable world, let us not overlook the importance of caring for the hearts and minds of those affected by disaster.
