A tornado devastated St. Louis on May 16, resulting in five fatalities, damaging over 5,000 structures, and leaving tens of thousands without electricity.
Salma Abdalla, an assistant professor at the School of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, has previously examined the effects of Hurricane Harvey on the psychological well-being of Houston residents.
In this context, she discusses the significance of government-offered disaster aid and public health initiatives to assist those affected by storms, as well as actions individuals can take to safeguard their mental health in the days and weeks ahead.
Post-storm, the immediate focus is on addressing physical destruction. But what implications can a storm like a tornado have on mental health?
Beyond the essential physical recovery, a tornado like the one we experienced on May 16 in St. Louis can create substantial harm to mental health. While many individuals manage well after disasters, a notable number may face psychological challenges, with a smaller segment developing mental health issues. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a frequently observed mental health condition following disasters, with prevalence estimates suggesting 30-40% among direct victims, 10-20% among rescue personnel, and 5-10% in the broader population. Depression is another common repercussion, and various other psychological symptoms may arise. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, our research indicated that approximately 12.6% of those affected experienced PTSD and 5.8% showed signs of depression more than three years after the catastrophe. The mental health ramifications stem from both traumatic encounters during the disaster and ongoing stressors thereafter.
For individuals directly affected by the storm, how can they care for their mental health during such a challenging time?
As someone who concentrates on social and economic policies alongside mental health, I believe many measures can be taken through organizations and systems. Initial interventions immediately following the disaster should be aimed at fostering safety and stability and assisting individuals in coping. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is now a preferred approach, designed to provide essential resources like food, medical aid, and housing; alleviate acute stress by addressing post-disaster challenges; and support those impacted in acquiring additional resources to reestablish a sense of control. Local authorities should facilitate a swift restoration of critical services and create central resource centers that are accessible to affected individuals. Communities must set up dependable information channels and coordinate temporary accommodation solutions. Health care systems should incorporate mental health services within their disaster responses.
On an individual level, people should prioritize urgent safety needs while nurturing social connections whenever feasible. Research has shown that social support is a vital buffer against the adverse psychological effects of disasters. Additionally, individuals could benefit from minimizing exposure to repetitive disaster-related media, as studies indicate a correlation between excessive media consumption concerning disasters and heightened rates of psychological distress.
Whether at individual or societal levels, it’s essential to adopt a strategy that fosters a sense of tranquility, reduces stress, and aids those directly impacted in returning to their pre-disaster routines and functioning as closely as possible.
Are there strategies or habits that anyone can adopt to enhance mental resilience in the face of adversity?
While this isn’t my primary area of focus, as I mentioned earlier, studies consistently highlight that building and sustaining strong social networks before and during disasters is arguably the most critical factor, as social isolation during recovery can severely worsen outcomes. Furthermore, engaging in community recovery initiatives can instill a sense of agency and purpose, providing protective benefits against developing mental health challenges after disasters. Moreover, individuals should utilize mental health resources as soon as they recognize their need, rather than waiting until issues become severe.
In the long term, governments should invest in and implement evidence-based psychological first aid training for first responders and community leaders before disasters occur and enact policies to mitigate social and economic stressors following disasters.
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