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Mental health emergencies forgotten????opinions..?

In the face of disaster, are mental health emergencies forgotten?

First aid is not just for physical illnesses and injuries. In the face of disaster, natural or otherwise, victims can experience mental health trauma requiring immediate and long-term attention.

In the face of disaster, the impact on one's mental health may not be top of mind. Whether emergency situations are a result of natural disasters (such as Haiti's devastating earthquake), or trauma caused by humankind (like the fatal shootings at l'École Polytechnique in Montreal), one cannot help but reflect on their overwhelming effects. The loss of human lives, injury, destruction of basic shelter, displacement, and dislocation of family members and loved ones are just the beginning of the devastating consequences of disasters.
Though the physical impacts of devastation may make compelling images for the media, mental and emotional suffering rarely makes headline news. What can be done to help individuals and communities cope with the prolonged mental impact resulting from trauma?
Once essential needs are supported, a number of important steps can be taken to protect people with mental health problems, promote recovery and prevent further difficulties. These steps can include visiting mental health institutions first, ensuring existing treatment is continued, and developing plans for ensuring mental health care facilities are accessible for those in need.
In some emergencies, the amount of psychological damage far exceeds the physical damage. A recent study of the mental health impact of the Dawson College shootings that occurred in Montreal in 2006 reveals that 30% of students and employees experienced psychological disorders following the rampage-a rate double that of the general population. These disorders took the form of depression, substance, and alcohol abuse.

Research on psychological impact of shooting at Dawson College For the 33 Chilean miners who were recently trapped underground for 69 days, mental health was a central issue that was highlighted while the rescue was underway-anxiety, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress were all issues that received strong media attention. The question is, what now?
The good news is that there are tangible skills that can help people experiencing an emotional crisis. Just as physical first aid is applied immediately to an injured person, mental health first aid can provide help and support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Developing mental health first aid skills can be of great benefit-they are skills that can help a family member, a friend, or anyone who is experiencing a crisis.
In the longer term, crisis intervention can be done at the local level. Institutions such as schools and hospitals should develop a plan to intervene in mental health problems resulting from traumatic events. Beyond mental health first aid, mental health crises also have long-term implications that require long-term intervention programs.

Public Comments

1. very true. rescuers too busy rescuing - human element is forgotten or on the side as lives is more crucial. victims look on without any help. hence melancholia seeps in. they should be involved in rescue process so that their mind is preoccupied. we must identify the weak ones and help them. more social workers required - aint easy to get them. its tough