The role of psychiatry in areas affected by natural disasters
revised and expanded translation of: https://doi.org/10.47626/1516-4446-2024-3752
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2024.v14.1296Keywords:
anxiety, crisis intervention, depression, flooding, mental health, natural disasters, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychiatric intervention, psychological morbidityAbstract
Since late April 2024, the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, has been facing the most significant climatic tragedy in its history. An initial assessment by the RS government's crisis management office indicates that the rains will cause damages potentially totaling R$ 19 billion in the affected regions. The heavy rains have affected 450 municipalities, with an estimated number of displaced individuals already surpassing half a million, with around 80,000 people in shelters. Direct damages caused by floods and landslides affect 2.1 million people. Traumatic events of such magnitude often impact mental health and trigger negative psychological responses in both direct victims and affected communities, as well as in professionals involved in rescue operations, logistical support, and humanitarian assistance. These effects include a significant increase in the incidence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In this context, Psychiatry emerges as a medical discipline dedicated to comprehensive mental health care, offering its expertise in immediate emotional support, psychological stabilization, risk screening, therapeutic interventions, and long-term prevention strategies to alleviate suffering and promote the recovery of victims.
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