What are common psychosocial impacts that occur from disasters

1. Identify the psychosocial effects likely to occur in various types of disasters.

The psychosocial effects that occur during disasters often vary by person. However, many of the core effects still remain the same in this regard. These effects include emotional instability, anxiety, trauma, and stress reactions. The overall magnitude of the effects often depends on the severity of the disaster. A recent example has occurred with COVID-19 and the impact on mental health it had on healthcare providers. Here, the possibility of death, the contagion, and the uncertainty surrounding vaccinations ultimately created a number of challenging psychosocial effects. These impacts not only effect the individual, but also the work environment and surrounding communities.

2. Formulate strategies that Nurses can use to help people in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

As a nurse, there are a number of strategies that can implemented in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Using the COVID-19 example mentioned above, strategies will many be aimed at helping to remove uncertain about care and treatment. This will include assisting in an organizations disaster preparedness and response plans for example. Here, a nurse can assist with helping to inform client and patients on the best methods to receive treatment or alternatives. A nurse profession can also engage in community and consumer education after the aftermath. This can include information on how to receive treatment, where the best available treatment locations are, or knowledge on selfcare or future prevention. Nurses are particularly valuable when assessing victims of the disaster or those who have special needs. This is important as nurses often have specialties knowledge that can aid these populations in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

3. Discuss the impact of disaster trauma on first responders.

Disasters often product overwhelming disruption to the social, economic and familial lives of first responders. These disruptions occur in conjunction with the immediate stress of the job on a day to day basis. The impact of disaster trauma can be wide ranging. The most common impact on first responders is that of depression. In a study conducted by Bently, a study of EMS professional found that nearly 7% suffered from depression, with mild depression being the most common type (Bentley, 2013). PTSD is another impact of disaster trauma on first responders. Here, research has shown that PTSD has occurred in nearly 17% of emergency physicians and responders in Germany (Pajonk, 2012)

4. Describe community reactions to a large-scale disaster.

Community reactions to large scale disasters often vary. Here the variables include the amount of community cohesion, the amount of education and financial resources within the community, and how the leadership of the community is structured. For example, during hurricane katsina, the community reaction was often disjointed as federal assistance was lacking. As a result, the community members did not have a coordinate response as it relates to healthcare treatment and disaster relief. Likewise, the response to COVID-19 was also disjointed due to different reasons. Here, the amount of misinformation related to the disaster caused confusion on the part of community leaders on the best method of response. Likewise, with this disaster, political agendas also came into play as it relates to mask mandates and access to healthcare treatment.

5. Describe the psychosocial training needs of all disaster responders.

As it relates to psychosocial training needs, disaster responders must first be trained on how to created a sense of safety for those who have experience the disaster. They also must be trained on how to remain calm under very stressful situations. They finally must be trained on emotional intelligence and how to create connection and a sense of hope for those who have been impacted by the disaster.

6. Describe helpful interventions for use with survivors of a disaster.

Psychological support is heavily needed after a disaster has occurred. During this period, survivors are often experience debilitating or protracted reactions. These reactions can vary depending on the overall stimuli involved. Here supported counseling is a helpful intervention mechanism to help survivors cope with the immediate aftermath of a disaster. In addition teaching resilience-enhancing strategies will also help survivals learn the skills and techniques needed to overcome any psychological trauma.

7. Describe the characteristics of PTSD.

The most common characteristics of PTSD are avoidance of thought and behaviors, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and change in reactivity. Here, the individual may go through periods in which they feel the event is occurring again. In this case they will exhibit seeming irrational emotions or have strong bodily reactions when reminded of the event.