Survivors of the Lombok earthquake and their loved ones will be feeling traumatised but most will be able to cope given the right mental and emotional support, according to the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Dr Susie Burke, a senior psychologist at the APS, says: “The emergency response necessarily focuses first on people’s practical needs, but emotional and psychological support for these people is also extremely important and should be an essential part of the coordinated relief operations.”
International guidelines stress the importance of social support and community self-help to aid recovery following a disaster.
“One of the most important things people need following a disaster is social support. Steps should be taken immediately to connect family and friends together and to foster support within the community,” says Dr Burke. “Other people’s support helps survivors to feel cared for and not alone, share burdens, and provide opportunities to talk about their experiences.”
Dr Burke says a spirit of community self-help is vital. Having a measure of control over some aspect of their lives promotes people’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing following overwhelming experiences.
“Mobilising the local community in their own recovery means involving the community in all the discussions, decisions and actions that affect them and their future," she says. “This is a way of restoring hope and empowering people to become more active in rebuilding their lives and communities.”
“Those of us far from the tragedy also feel a need to help in some way with something so terrible, but the best thing most of us can do is to donate to trusted humanitarian agencies like Red Cross.”
“International aid agencies and would-be helpers need to stand in the second row and be directed by the local leaders where possible,” says Dr Burke.
Links:
APS resources on recovering from disasters
Tips sheet: Talking with children after tragic events
Listen to Dr Burke discuss helping after natural disasters
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on Twitter: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 27,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.