Providing advocacy and support to disaster victims
Abstract
Providing listening and advocacy to survivors of disasters is an important function performed by volunteers and service members during disaster deployment. This effective practice, excerpted from materials published on the website of the United States Department of Health and Human Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Mental Health Information Center, offers suggestions for those in service on dealing with the emotions that accompany trauma or disaster.Issue
The mental health consequences of a natural disaster can be equally as devastating as the physical destruction. Disaster counseling involves both listening and guiding. Survivors typically benefit from both talking about their disaster experiences and being assisted with problem solving and referrals.Action
According to SAMSA's National Mental Health Information Center, effective practices when dealing with disaster survivors include:- Establish rapport by being calm, maintaining eye contact and listening. Create empathy by showing genuine concern, being respectful and nonjudgmental.
- Use active listening skills to better understand a survivor's situation and needs. Active listening skills include allowing for silence and offering nonverbal cues such as eye contact, head nodding, caring facial expressions, and occasional "uh-huhs."
- Paraphrase what the survivor has said to convey understanding, check for accuracy and clarify misunderstandings. Use phrases such as "So you are saying that..." Or "I have heard you say that..."
- Reflect feelings to help the survivor identify and or speak about his or her emotions. You might say, "You sound angry (or scared. etc.), does that fit for you?"
- Allow survivors to express emotions. This is an important part of healing and can help set the stage for the next step, constructive problem solving. Try and stay relaxed, breath, and let the survivor know it is okay to feel intense emotions.
Some Do's and Dont's When Dealing with Survivors:
Do say:
- These are normal reactions to a disaster.
- It is understandable that you feel this way.
- You are not going crazy.
- It wasn't your fault; you did the best you could.
- Things may never be the same, but they will get better, and you will feel better.
- It could have been worse.
- You can always get another pet/car/house.
- It's best if you just stay busy.
- I know just how you feel.
- You need to get on with your life.
Context
During times of crises -- and disaster deployment is certainly one of these times -- volunteers and service members may feel at a loss in helping to address the emotional and psychological needs of survivors. Although obviously no substitute for trained professionals who deal with the complex issues regarding trauma and recovery, first responders are often thrown into the role of counselor and advocate. Knowing how to interact on an emotional level can be just as important as knowing how to dress a wound.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Information Center provides information about mental health via a toll-free telephone number (800-789-2647), the web site, and more than 600 publications.
The National Mental Health Information Center was developed for users of mental health services and their families, the general public, policy makers, providers, and the media. Information Center staff members are skilled at listening and responding to questions from the public and professionals. The staff quickly directs callers to Federal, State, and local organizations dedicated to treating and preventing mental illness. The Information Center also has information on Federal grants, conferences, and other events.
Citation
SAMSA's National Mental Health Information Center: Center for Mental Health Services"Disaster Counseling"Outcome
Allowing survivors their own experiences, feelings, and perspectives, helps aid in the healing process.Training volunteers and service members in what to expect during disaster deployment, brings greater peace of mind to those in service and those being served.Posted On
October 12, 2005For More Information