Initial Psychological Disasters

Psychosocial care should be a crosscutting issue in emergency care, with the commitment of all social strata, under the coordination of the authorities

Mental health care but varies according to the needs, should aim to: restore the functioning of adjustment mechanisms, strengthen problem-solving skills, promote resource recovery reorganization, help reintegrate support networks

If necessary evacuation: Try not to uproot, (not recommended separating people from their families or groups of belonging), reducing the time spent in shelters, maintain ties and customs

As far as possible: Integrating emotional support everyday activities in shelters, schools, churches, homes, parks, as part of the basic needs

The main objective is to achieve in the shortest time possible, the affected person regain control of their emotions and participate in their own recovery

The initial counseling is based primarily on listening, emotional contact, respectful, non-invasive, and allow emotional release

Act calmly and truthful information

Children require an intervention aimed primarily to provide a sense of security, affection and protection.

With the elderly, the intervention is aimed at understanding and patience to listen and understand your needs.

Particularly vulnerable groups, eg. disabilities, require interventions that are adapted to each type of limitation.



The response team members should not work alone or in isolation

Belonging to a team favors:

rely on other questions and information exchange express emotions

The initial assessment should include mental health knowledge of:

Protective factors and disturbing the individuals and the community

Degree of attention to basic needs

Information handled by the population

Psychosocial needs of existing and previously detected

Available mental health resources: human resources: psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, students, institutional and material resources: mental health services, damage to infrastructure, financial resources, medications (psychotropics)