What strategies can you use to address the mental health needs of disaster survivors?

??? As a clinical director, I've witnessed the resilience of disaster survivors. One powerful strategy is creating a 'Shared Healing Circle'. ???? In these circles, survivors share stories, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. It's incredible how shared experiences, even in grief, can knit a stronger social fabric. ?

I focus on creating safe spaces for expression. ????? Recently, I incorporated group therapy, enabling survivors to share experiences, fostering a sense of community and collective healing. It's about blending active listening with empathetic support. Each story matters in the journey to resilience. ????

As a social worker, I've learned valuable lessons through hands-on experience. In one instance, we tapped into the power of art therapy to help survivors process their emotions after a devastating disaster. ??? My question to you is: What unconventional approaches have you found effective in supporting disaster survivors on their path to mental wellness? Let's continue sharing our stories and innovative strategies to make a positive impact. ???? #MentalHealthSupport #DisasterRecovery #InnovativeTherapy

I believe being with someone human to human during these moments provides something unspoken, in and of itself. Meeting people wherever they are, and providing stability and direction when their whole world is shaken can offer psychological calm during the storm they’re enduring. Lead with calmness, kindness and empathy- it will help with co-regulation of their nervous system to obtain baseline functioning.

In my experience providing education on common stress responses to traumatic events is an important step in the healing process. Helping people understand that their response to a disaster is not uncommon and it does not make them a weak person. When people understand this we can help them understand what positive coping can look like while motivating them to engage in positive coping strategies that make sense for them. Some may need time and social connection to heal, while others may need the additional support of a helping professional. Taking the time to honor their resilience while helping to further foster that resilience is critical in supporting individuals after a disaster.

Providing immediate support after a natural disaster is essential to provide basic needs like food, water, and shelter to the affected community. This helps in reducing stress and anxiety and creates a sense of security. Providing access to mental health services also ensure that mental health services are readily available to the affected community. This can include counseling, support from mental health professionals. Create awareness about these services and eliminate any stigma associated with seeking help. Empowering a community to maintain positive mental health also requires a holistic approach that addresses their immediate needs, fosters social connections, promotes self-care, and provides access to mental health support.

Monitoring and Evaluation can effectively assess the impacts of social work interventions on disaster victims, leading to better decision-making, program improvement. Monitoring and evaluatiion can also promote stakeholder engagement including disaster victims and other stakeholders to see their feedback, perspectives, and experiences to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impacts. The findings from the monitoring and evaluation can be used for continuous improvement of future interventions and make necessary adjustments. This will enhance the effectiveness of the intervention and ensure better outcomes for the disaster victims.

After the superstorm Sandy, I had the privilege of providing free mental health services in New Jersey through the Robin Hood grant. In the initial weeks post-Sandy, many were in survival mode, focused on salvaging what they could. As a mental health therapist, I recognized the need to move beyond traditional talk therapy in crisis situations. Being attuned to clients' needs, fostering a sense of power, and encouraging active problem-solving became crucial. As a social worker and therapist, listening to each client's unique experience was often the most important aspect of support.