Mental Health Needs Must Not Be Neglected After A Disaster

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Also Included In: Mental Health;  Anxiety / Stress;  Depression
Article Date: 02 Apr 2009 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Following the devastating Australian bushfires of February 2009, occupational therapists and health professionals will be in a central position to contribute to the well-being of children and their families affected by their traumatic experience. An editorial in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal published by Wiley-Blackwell describes the important issues that health professionals have to consider when identifying and treating clients experiencing a range of post-traumatic difficulties.

"Children of all ages are particularly vulnerable as disasters like bushfires can have a profound effect on their developmental trajectories and their social relationships. The children affected by the Victorian bushfires have an even greater potential for adverse outcomes - as a result of their degree of exposure to the death of loved ones in traumatic circumstances, as well as the losses they've endured with regards to their schools and communities", said Editor Dr. Elspeth Macdonald from the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network (ACATLGN) and Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University.

The severity of the disaster directly relates to the likelihood of psychological distress felt by the victims. Although post-disaster morbidity may decline over time and onset of psychological problems may be delayed, the effects of the initial disaster exposure and losses are likely to persist for several years at least.

Occupational therapists and other health professionals can contribute to the well-being of these children not just by specialist services, but also through avenues such as school programs and supporting families to accept referrals for mental health interventions.

"Mental Health Needs Post-Disaster: Supporting Recovery of Children and Families"
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (Vol. 56, Issue 2, pp. 79-80).

About Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal is the official journal of OT Australia, the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, and welcomes manuscripts relevant to the theory, research, practice and education of occupational therapy. The Journal aims to promote research and interdisciplinary communication, and provide a forum for discussion of issues relevant to occupational therapists. The Journal is dedicated to promoting occupational therapy internationally.

About Wiley-Blackwell

Wiley-Blackwell is the international scientific, technical, medical and scholarly publishing business of John Wiley & Sons, with strengths in every major academic and professional field and partnerships with many of the world's leading societies. Wiley-Blackwell publishes over 1,400 peer-reviewed journals as well as 1,500+ new books annually in print and online, as well as databases, major reference works and laboratory protocols.

About Wiley

Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Since 1901, Wiley and its acquired companies have published the works of more than 350 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology/Medicine, Chemistry and Peace.

Our core businesses include scientific, technical, medical and scholarly journals, encyclopedias, books, and online products and services; professional/trade publishes books, subscription products, training materials, and online applications and websites; and educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Wiley's global headquarters are located in Hoboken, New Jersey, with operations in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia.

Source
Wiley