Natural disasters
Natural disasters include such events as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires and tsunamis. Often these events are unexpected, sudden and overwhelming.
Even when you’re not hurt physically, disasters can take a serious emotional toll. Normal reactions include intense, unpredictable feelings; flashbacks; trouble concentrating or making decisions; disrupted eating and sleeping patterns; emotional upsets on anniversaries or other reminders; strained personal relationships; and physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea or chest pain.
Adapted from “Managing traumatic stress: Tips for recovering from disasters and other traumatic events” APA fact sheet
Coping with Disaster
- Shore Up Your Resilience to Manage Distress Caused by the Oil Disaster in the Gulf
Watching the disaster unfold can be distressing. In addition, the situation can feel helpless, because it is growing worse and there is little most people can do to stop it. However, there are simple and effective ways to address the distress or anxiety you may be experiencing.
- Strengthening your emotional well being ahead of the flood
Preparing for and anticipating the arrival of a large-scale flood can be distressing. Recognizing common emotional reactions and taking steps to prepare for the flood can help you safeguard your emotional well-being.
- Managing your distress about the earthquake from afar
For people with friends and family living in regions affected by earthquakes, watching the news coverage can be very distressing. Even for those without personal connections, it can be overwhelming. Tips to cope.
- Disasters & Terrorism
Disasters are often unexpected, sudden, and overwhelming. Understanding normal responses to these abnormal events can help you cope.
- Rebuilding Communities in Mind and Body
Like working out a muscle, the more you work on the skills of resilience, the more resilient you can become.
- What do psychologists do at disaster sites?
Psychologists don’t offer therapy at disaster sites. Instead, they help survivors build on their internal strengths to start the process of recovery.
How Psychologists Help
- Find a Psychologist
- FAQ for APA response to international disasters
Information about APA's response to the international disasters, including web-based psychological resources, aiding the United Nations, fielding media inquiries, and donating to the American Red Cross.
- Resources Helpful to Psychologists
A list of international and national organizations dedicated to disaster mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Disaster Mental Health Training Opportunities
Links to training opportunities for both licensed mental health professionals, as well as anyone interested in disaster mental health.
- Humanitarian Organizations Active in International Disaster Response
A list of humanitarian organizations active in international disaster response.
- Psychology in Spanish
A list of links to psychology resources in Spanish, including some related to dealing with natural disasters.
News
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Chilean mine disaster: Experts available to discuss psychological issues facing miners, mine safety
August 27, 2010
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Katrina still has emotional grip on thousands of children
August 23, 2010, USA TODAY
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Disasters especially tough on people with disabilities, mental disorders, say psychologists
August 23, 2010
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Mental health a growing concern after Gulf spill
July 11, 2010, Reuters
Monitor on Psychology Articles
- A mental health crisis unfolds
September 2010
- Treating traumatized children
July 2010
- APA network brings together resources for disaster responders
July 2010
- Calming the tremors
April 2010
Books
- Helping Families and Communities Recover From Disaster
September 2009
- Trauma and Health
December 2003
- A Terrible Thing Happened: A Story for Children Who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma
February 2000
APA Offices and Programs
- Disaster Response Network
The APA Disaster Response Network is a group of approximately 2,500 licensed psychologists with training in disaster response who offer volunteer assistance to relief workers and survivors in the aftermath of disasters.
- Trans-World Resource Network:
a Clearinghouse for Disaster Response ResourcesAPA's Trans-Wrold Clearinghouse provides disaster-related psychological resources and information about effective ongoing disaster-response initiatives and pee-reviewed research on disaster response and prevention.
- APA Statement on the Role of Psychologists in International Emergencies
This statement is intended to orient psychologists to effective disaster response contributions. It is based on international guidelines for psychosocial intervention, on guidance from APA’s Disaster Response Network and its Committee on International Relations in Psychology.
- Resolution on The Psychological Needs of Children Exposed to Disasters
APA's Council of Representatives has declared the development and implementation of a national strategy to prevent and treat the psychological dysfunction resulting from exposure of children and their families to disasters a matter of the highest priority, and supports the establishment of policies to maintain their psychological well-being.