Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes 1068-Disaster Mental Health: Trauma-Informed Tools for Better Response
Jun 20, 2025
Explore the profound impact of disasters on mental health, including trauma-informed strategies for effective response. Delve into the complexities of PTSD and CPTSD, and the significance of safe zones and timely support. Discover how proximity to disaster sites amplifies emotional reactions, along with the cognitive and physical effects like stress and disrupted routines. Understand the importance of community support, diet, and empathy in recovery, while also addressing the emotional aftermath, including anger and survivor guilt.
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Trauma and Emotional Reactions
- Trauma can reawaken feelings of powerlessness even if previous trauma was unrelated.
- Similarity to victims increases emotional reactions and vulnerability to retraumatization.
Early Social Support Critical
- Provide social support in the first 12 hours post-disaster to reduce later trauma.
- Offer empathy and presence to help survivors regain safety and power.
Environmental Impact on Safety
- Environmental losses impact the base of Maslow's hierarchy, affecting safety and orientation.
- Loss of familiar landmarks disrupts people's sense of grounding and safety.