sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
I. Key Concepts
No one who sees a disaster is untouched by it.
Disaster stress and grief reactions are normal responses
to an abnormal situation.
Many emotional reactions of disaster survivors stem
from new and/or existing problems of everyday living
brought about or exacerbated by the disaster.
Following a disaster, most people do not see the need for
and will not seek mental health services.
Survivors may reject disaster assistance of all types.
Disaster mental health assistance is often more practical
than psychological in nature.
Disaster mental health services must be uniquely
tailored to the communities they serve.
Mental health workers need to set aside traditional
methods, avoid the use of mental health labels, and use
an active outreach approach to intervene successfully
after a disaster.
Survivors respond to active, genuine interest and
concern.
Interventions must be appropriate to the phase of the
disaster.
Social support systems are crucial to recovery.
Self-care for responders is essential.
http://www.state.in.us/fssa/files/Disaster_Mental_Health_Intervention_Field_Guide.pdf
No one who sees a disaster is untouched by it.
Disaster stress and grief reactions are normal responses
to an abnormal situation.
Many emotional reactions of disaster survivors stem
from new and/or existing problems of everyday living
brought about or exacerbated by the disaster.
Following a disaster, most people do not see the need for
and will not seek mental health services.
Survivors may reject disaster assistance of all types.
Disaster mental health assistance is often more practical
than psychological in nature.
Disaster mental health services must be uniquely
tailored to the communities they serve.
Mental health workers need to set aside traditional
methods, avoid the use of mental health labels, and use
an active outreach approach to intervene successfully
after a disaster.
Survivors respond to active, genuine interest and
concern.
Interventions must be appropriate to the phase of the
disaster.
Social support systems are crucial to recovery.
Self-care for responders is essential.
http://www.state.in.us/fssa/files/Disaster_Mental_Health_Intervention_Field_Guide.pdf