[humanser] Dealing with Disaster Trauma: How Behavioral Health Can Help

[Serena Cucco]

On 7/27/12, Mary Ann Robinson <brightsmile1953 at comcast.net> wrote:
> Dealing with Disaster Trauma: How Behavioral Health Can Help
> By Linda Ligenza, LCSW, Clinical Services Director, National Council for
> Community Behavioral Healthcare
> Traumatic events such as the one that recently occurred in Aurora, Colorado
> have a significant impact on the individuals directly involved, their
> families and friends and the larger community surrounding the location where
> the event took place.
> The extent of the impact will depend on several factors including: how close
> the person was to the event (actually shot or wounded, in the theater but
> not hurt, in the theater
> next door, relative or friend of someone wounded, deceased or present in the
> theater); if the person has experienced previous trauma; the seriousness of
> the injury; loss of someone close; and the perception of the person
> involved, about the experience.
> A person's perception is a critical factor in how much of an impact the
> experience has on them; someone who was in the theater who was not shot
> but felt that their life was threatened may have more serious reactions than
> a person who was shot and injured.  Everyone reacts differently to the same
> event.
> The first responders, who were confronted with a chaotic, gruesome scene,
> are also at risk for adverse reactions;
> it is important to ensure that they have information and easily accessible
> and confidential resources available to them as well.
> Typical Reactions
> Typical reactions fall into four categories:
> emotional - such as shock, numbness, fear, anger, worry, sadness, and
> grief;
> physical - including headaches, stomachaches, fatigue (the most common);
> behavioral - such as crying, increased use of substances, agitation; and
> cognitive - which may include forgetfulness and confusion.  It is important
> to recognize that these reactions are expected after a traumatic event;
> these are normal or typical reactions to an abnormal event.
> Helpful Responses
> In the aftermath of such an event, behavioral health organizations can
> distribute informational and educational materials and resources to those
> affected when possible and to the public. Materials can be made
> available during public gatherings, through faith-based organizations, local
> religious and community groups and via websites, to name a few.
> Signs of Distress
> People affected by traumatic events may require a mental health evaluation
> and treatment when their reactions or symptoms become distressing. Distress
> can be identified by such signs as: inability to
> carry out daily functions; trouble with relationships; prolonged mourning of
> losses; diminished ability to cope or problem-solve; isolating behaviors and
> hopelessness; health problems; and uncertainty about the future. In
> children, we see regression to a younger
> developmental stage, poor school performance, isolation, acting out
> behavior, and physical complaints. Clinicians can be very helpful to parents
> by teaching them how to talk to their children about the disaster and
> helping them to recognize signs of distress. It's important
> to remember that most people will not develop PTSD after a disaster or a
> traumatic event although many may experience signs of stress and some
> will have symptoms of distress.
> Community Resilience and Public Messaging
> To promote community resilience, impromptu gatherings, as we have seen
> happening near the site of the movie theater, and participation in
> organized vigils, rituals, commemorations will assist in the healing
> process. Another positive and effective approach to promoting community
> resilience is through messaging by trusted community leaders. Leaders who
> project a sense of calm, reassurance and provide ongoing or periodic
> messages of empathy, compassion along with optimism, hope, healing and
> cohesion will assist their community to heal and recover.
> Mental Health First Aid
> Behavioral health organizations can educate the community about mental
> illness and offer support and resources to those in need through Mental
> Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid is a novel, evidence-based
> public education program that teaches participants how to assess a
> situation, select and implement appropriate interventions and help a person
> in crisis or developing the signs and symptoms of mental illness.
> This groundbreaking training equips people to provide initial help until
> appropriate professional, peer or family support can be engaged.
> Participants
> also learn about the risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses
> such as anxiety, depression, psychosis and addiction. And they learn how to
> initiate timely referral to mental health resources available in the
> community.
> The training has done much to expand people's knowledge of mental illnesses
> and their treatments, and to help people understand and accept mental
> illness as a medical condition. More than 60,000 people - including
> thousands at colleges and universities - across the USA have
> been certified in Mental Health First Aid. A listing of community courses
> and instructors is available at
> www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org
> .
> Avoiding Re-traumatization
> Re-traumatization can inadvertently occur through repeated watching of news
> reports, reading about the tragedy in newspapers and on line and
> through hearing and reading inflammatory, disturbing language such as use of
> the word, "massacre." The media, community leaders and others in the public
> eye must be careful to choose their words and messages
> carefully. Guidance from mental health professionals can be very helpful.
> Self-care
> Self-care is an important component of trauma work. Clinicians and others
> working with trauma survivors are at risk for developing "secondary
> traumatic stress," experiencing symptoms of trauma such as
> anxiety, guilt, and stress resulting from working with survivors. This is
> also referred to as "compassion fatigue" and "vicarious traumatization."
> In order to prevent these symptoms, clinicians should follow a self-care
> plan that includes connecting with support systems such as co-workers,
> family, friends and maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes
> eating and sleeping well, getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and
> other harmful substances, engaging in pleasurable activities, and not
> working excessive hours.
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Hi All,

First, I'd like to introduce myself to the list.  I'm Serena Cucco, an
MSW student at Rutgers University.  I'm really enjoying my coursework!
 This fall will be my last semester.  For those of you who know Carol
Castellano, I am her daughter.  Those of you who were at the Human
Services meeting at National Convention heard me contribute to the
really great discussion topics there.

Second, Mary Anne, the information you posted was quite educational
and informative.

Serena