Critical need for psychosocial support

THE EDITOR, Madam:

On October 30, Jamaica was jolted by a 5.6 magnitude earthquake. Though there were no reports of loss of life, it resulted in structural damage to buildings and affected well-being of Jamaicans.

Post a natural disaster like an earthquake, the immediate focus is on damage assessment on physical infrastructure. While these assessments are crucial in disaster recovery, the invisible emotional and psychological scars on affected individuals are frequently ignored.

The roaring sound and violent shaking of Monday’s earthquake shook many to the core. This triggered a myriad of emotional and psychological distresses such as fear, anxiety, panic, terror, feelings of helplessness and being overwhelmed. Reports indicated that these triggers led to an influx of affected individuals turning up to an already overburdened healthcare system with panic and asthma-related issues.

Ignoring emotional triggers in the aftermath of an earthquake event or any other disaster event can lead to long-term mental issues and a slower recovery process. It is critical that psychosocial support be given greater focus and there is an ongoing intervention mechanism in disaster response and recovery. It also contributes to enhancing the coping capacity of individuals and communities.

Incorporating psychosocial support and making it an ongoing intervention for affected individuals in the aftermath of an earthquake or traumatic disaster event fosters:

– Resilience building: Catering to the ongoing psychosocial needs of individuals and communities helps build resilience and provides avenues for bouncing back better.

– Enhanced emotional well-being: Through social service organisations, health facilities, and other support systems, individuals are better positioned to share and express their feelings and emotions in a safe space, which can further enhance their emotional well-being.

– Improved mental health: Incorporating psychosocial support in the disaster recovery process can allow individuals to cope with emotional and psychological challenges such as fear, anxiety, and trauma.

– Recovery and rebuilding: Once the mental health of individuals is dealt with through psychosocial support interventions, affected individuals will be better able to participate and engage in the recovery and rebuilding process.

– Awareness: Raising awareness and continuously educating individuals about the importance of psychosocial support can reduce the stigma surrounding emotional and psychological issues, allowing individuals to be more inclined to seek help when needed.

Jamaica is located in a seismic active region and is constantly susceptible to earthquake activities. Notably, a holistic approach to disaster recovery goes far beyond doing damage assessment, building back better, or retrofitting physical infrastructure.

The ongoing need for psychosocial support enables individuals and communities to recover emotionally and participate in the recovery process to rebuild their lives. Giving more credence to this intervention mechanism can lead to a more resilient society that can be fostered in the wake of an earthquake and other disaster events.

TAMEKA CLAUDIUS