Introduction

The first chapter of Disaster Mental Health Case Studies is penned jointly by the book’s editors. They begin by elucidating the significant mental health consequences for societies around the world caused by increasingly frequent and devastating societal disasters, both naturally occurring and those caused by humans. They highlight the need for disaster mental health responders to be flexible and adaptive in their approach, and encourage those working in the area to share experiences amongst peers. Further, the layout of the book is explained, a case-study approach, and the merits of this approach are highlighted; the 17 case studies which are examined throughout the text are made familiar.