ABSTRACT
Each disaster affects people differently, depending on factors including: physical and emotional proximity to the event’s epicenter; what was seen and experienced; prior personal experience with trauma; current physical/mental health condition; degree of resiliency and coping skills; level of psychosocial vulnerability, and future personal concerns. The type of disaster—man-made or natural—also impacts people differently. However, two aspects remain consistent among calamities: Many people suffer from acute stress disorder (ASD) and, if not treated in time, acquire post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD cannot be ignored, does not go away on its own, and may worsen over time. Such trauma also impacts the entire community with rise of dysfunctional relationships, substance abuse, and suicides. This chapter reviews forms of trauma-specific treatment by trauma-informed therapists, such as EMDR, EFT/tapping, and Brainspotting; other trauma-informed approaches such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and wellness activities like yoga and meditation. A listing of different forms of mental health providers is included in this chapter, as well as anecdotal survey results from Newtown/Sandy Hook after the shooting tragedy, which compares brain-based and traditional mental health therapies. Information on first responders emphasizes their vulnerability and the need to support their disaster mental health needs.
