We certainly live in interesting times and we are facing a situation that none of us have experienced in our lifetime. Our governments and industry leaders are doing all they can to “flatten the curve of the COVID 19 virus.
Mental health should also be a component of national disaster preparedness plans, it is crucial to the overall social and economic recovery of individuals and societies, after emergencies.
Mental health problems can be pre-existing however, it can also be induced by humanitarian response e.g. anxiety due to a lack of information about food distribution or about how to obtain basic services.
Common response to disaster can include, Anxiety, Anger, Frustration, Sadness, Grief, Fear and Loneliness.
Human disasters can be hard to cope with. People can respond in very different ways. People who experience traumatic events are often able to recover and do not experience ongoing difficulties. However, for some, they may need to access professional support to navigate these challenges.
A quote from Elizabeth Kubler-Ross is a reminder that we will be OK, this situation will end, and we can come out the other side as a more compassionate and mindful individual and a society. The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen. Elisabeth Kabler-Ross from Death: The Final Stage of Growth “
National 24/7 crisis services
Lifeline: 13 43 57 (13 HELP) or lifeline.org.au
Beyondblue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Department of Health Reachout Australia 131114
By Andre Elcham 27/03/2020