Natural disasters: how floods and fires shape the psyche
May 14, 2022
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This podcast explores the ongoing mental health impact of natural disasters on survivors, discussing different psychological responses and factors that influence resilience. It highlights heroic rescues during floods, a parent's dangerous journey through a fire to reunite with their son, and the importance of support and gratitude in finding resilience and hope after losing everything.
People typically respond to disasters in one of four ways: resilient, distressed, delayed, or gradual return to normal.
Factors such as minimal exposure, male sex, older age, higher income and education, and good prior mental health can influence resilience.
Deep dives
Different responses to disasters
Research shows that people typically respond to disasters in one of four ways: a resilient response, a high level of distress, a delayed response, or a gradual return to normal. Factors such as minimal exposure, male sex, older age, higher income and education, and good prior mental health can influence how likely a person is to be resilient.
Stories of survival
Two survivors share their experiences of natural disasters. One recounts the devastating bushfires of 2019-2020, where their home and business were destroyed, and their son was temporarily separated from them. The other survivor describes the recent floods that destroyed their home, leading to a mental crash and feelings of grief. Both survivors demonstrate resilience and find comfort in their communities and the process of rebuilding.
Adapting to climate change
While the frequency and intensity of natural disasters are increasing due to climate change, humans have a history of adaptation and resilience. Although vulnerabilities may emerge, societies can find strategies to overcome and survive. Research from disaster-prone regions suggests that people learn to adapt and prepare for future disasters, maintaining their resilience and sense of place.
Two disasters, two years apart - the ongoing mental health impact on survivors and what the research can tell us about the different ways people respond to these life-changing events.
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