Date

3-22-2024

Department

School of Nursing

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Chair

Dana Woody

Keywords

mental health, natural disaster, post-disaster, healthcare providers, mental health screenings

Disciplines

Nursing | Psychiatry and Psychology

Abstract

Following a natural disaster, the emotional and psychological demands on survivors are great. In addition to generating suffering, such as bodily injuries, natural disasters impact disaster victims’ lives in catastrophic ways, causing loss of homes, property, and jobs; food insecurities; transportation disruption; and communication difficulties. These events disrupt communities, exacerbating adversities to physical and psychological well-being. This presents a critical need for effective mental health response. Screening specific to post-disaster trauma may assist in identifying clients who require prioritized mental health care. Depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder are three common mental health issues that are often triggered by disasters. In addition, children, the elderly, those with preexisting mental illness, and those of a lower socioeconomic status are at greater risk for mental health exacerbations post-disaster. Health care providers play an important role in the recognition of post-disaster stress. To date, there are no guidelines or standards to address this pressing concern. A call to action is needed in support of mental health screenings post-disaster, the missing link.

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