Effects of Disasters on Mental Health

Mental health and disasters are closely related.    In this article, three types of disasters affecting mental health are categorized: natural, man-made, and industrial. People suffering from disasters can experience mental instability, stress reactions, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological symptoms. Some examples of the disasters included in this article are the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.  In this review article, it has identified resilience as an important role in recovery.  Post-intervention techniques, which include individual strengths and capabilities and community-base approaches, can help most affected individuals recover over time.  Therefore psycho-social education and clinical interventions are the keys to better outcomes, while keeping in mind of the unique characteristics of the community and the affected group.   Read the full review article study here