In times of turmoil, when large populations are affected by factors beyond their control, the efforts of the entire community to keep the situation under control can have a lasting emotional and psychological effect. In this special feature, we look at the psychological aspects of disaster management.
Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the new coronavirus outbreak had become a pandemic, countries around the world have been working hard to contain the spread of the virus at the local level.
Although such measures have helped curb the spread of the new coronavirus, a growing sense of isolation and anxiety stemming from the situation has been affecting the mental health of populations around the world.
All of these aspects of disaster management should include provisions to safeguard physical health, access to primary care and resources, and financial support.
But there is one more issue that preparedness, response and recovery plans should be taken into account: the psychological impact of disasters.
Disasters and their psychological impact.
It is assumed that disasters, whether of natural origin, such as earthquakes and floods, created by humans, as wars or because of a pandemic, will have a profound psychological impact on communities around the world.
Finally, in an official briefing, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) emphasizes that people should seek mental health support and provide solidarity to their peers. It is also vital for governments and organizations to strengthen mental health supports at all levels.
In its report, which focuses on the context of the current pandemic, OCHA notes that:
- there must be a widespread advocacy of safe and appropriate mental health services
- there must be community support
- Basic individual mental health care (provided by a person’s doctor, for example), as well as more specialized mental health care (provided by a therapist), should be available
