Family Safety: Ensure Mental Health during Disasters

Home Emergencies and natural disasters have a severe impact on your mental health

According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, natural disasters and emergencies have a bad impact on the mental health of an individual. Catastrophic situations and home accidents can even challenge a mentally-strong person.

These disasters can cause mental problems such as anxiety, panic disorder, distress, depression, and different types of phobias. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) is also a serious condition that can develop in disaster victims.

Mental Health in the Wake of Hurricane Michael

Reports show that the recent Hurricane Michael in six different US states including North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida has affected many people. Many Hurricane Michael victims are suffering from distress, depression, and grief. Residents who became homeless or had lost valuables are also prone to develop post-traumatic stress disorder.

The California Fire and Hurricane Florence also affected hundreds of individuals recently.

Major issues of psychological nature that WHO says can develop during, before or after an emergency include:

Major Mental Health Issues

• Grief
• Distress
• Depression
• Substance abuse
• PSTD
• Anxiety & panic disorder

Moreover, if there is a pre-existing mental health issue, disaster can deteriorate the condition and cause:

• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Alcoholism

The Disaster and Post-Disaster Period

WHO says situations like flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and other emergencies challenge a person’s mental ability. Facing a sudden loss as a result of a disaster can even cause a heart attack (due to stress).

The post-disaster period is also a challenging time. Disaster recovery does not happen in a day. So, this period of a person’s life can bring many issues such as headaches, sleeplessness, crying spells and even fits. Contact a mental health professional if you face any of these problems.

Simple Steps to Prevent Mental Health Problems

To prevent mental health issues caused by disasters, take these simple steps:

• Try to prevent the disaster (itself). Although this seems difficult; but it is not impossible anymore. Install the best home automation alarm system to get live weather warnings and alerts about an impending danger. This would enable you to evacuate before it is too late.
• Order a personal panic button. If you are suffering from a mental health issue, wear the personal panic button on your wrist/neck to avoid a panic attack (or any other emergency). Make sure your family members also have this medical alert button for their safety.
• Mount smoke detectors in and around. To prevent fire-related accidents in your house, order the latest home smoke detector. The smoke alarm triggers in case of an emergency to warn you.
• Be Close. Try to stay in touch with your family member/s who are suffering from PSTD or any other psychological problem. Place mobile video surveillance cameras at all the major places of your house. This would allow you to check in on them several times a day to stay connected.
• Try 2-way safety devices: Ordering 2-way home safety devices helps you to make sure you can interact with the monitoring consultants when you need them. Having to know that someone is there for you is the best thing, particularly for the mentally disturbed individuals.