Disasters, by definition, are catastrophic events that cause wide-spread damage, death, and destruction. Disasters can be natural, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, or man-made, such as terrorist attacks, chemical accidents, and nuclear meltdowns. Regardless of their cause, disasters have a profound psychological impact on those who experience them.
The psychological impact of a disaster can be divided into three phases: the impact phase, the recovery phase, and the long-term phase. The impact phase is characterized by shock and disbelief. This is followed by the recovery phase, during which people begin to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. The long-term phase is when the psychological effects of the disaster may linger, sometimes for years.
The psychological impact of a disaster can be devastating. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are common. Survivors may also experience survivor’s guilt, which is the feeling that they should have done more to help those who perished.
The role of restoration is crucial in the psychological recovery of disaster survivors. Restoration provides a sense of hope and a sense of control. It helps people to feel that they are not powerless in the face of disaster.
There are many organizations that provide restoration services to disaster survivors. The American Red Cross is one of the most well-known. The Red Cross provides shelter, food, and other necessities in the aftermath of a disaster. They also offer counseling and other mental health services to help people cope with the psychological effects of a disaster.
The psychological impact of a disaster can be severe, but with the help of restoration services, people can begin to rebuild their lives.
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief-and-recovery/psychological-first-aid.html
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/psychological_first_aid/index.html