Mental Health in Times of Crises

This was an excellent panel presentation sponsored by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Chipia moderated.

The first speaker, Dr. Soysa spoke about the 2004 Tsunami in Sri Lanka - the "normal" anxieties 0ver food and water. But found the vulnerable populations, including women were more at risk in terms of mental health issues. The problem was too the impact of the war, which heightened the impact of the disaster. There were 516,000 people displaced because of the Tsunami, which added to the 500,000 affected by the war.

There was minimal gender analysis - yet know that female deaths were 3 times that of male deaths. One of the reasons was that many had their clothes caught in the hi security fences set up in the hi security zones. The disaster did not affect all women equally. Northern women for example knew how to apply for relief.

Spoke about the dialectic between distress and resilance. Basically, only so much anyone can take, or do in response to a crisis. Discussion as to what is a normal response to an abnormal situation.

Responses - best to have community involved - trained psychologists come in and train community members to provide the service.

Another speaker (psychologist) spoke of her experiences in the Congo. Had taught in the Congo in the 80's. Had been a witness to the slaughter by the military. The government changed the records after the event.

Spoke of the Bridge of Peace ceremony. Recognize how difficult it is to forgive. Need to understand the anatomy of peace. Sometimes self deception blinds us to the true cause of the problems.

The last speaker presented on his experience in Sierre Leonne and the experience of refugees. Women and girls disproportionately affected at times of conflict. Multiple traumatic experiences, and multiple losses. Female civilians more likely to be killed than soldiers.

Displacement - after disaster/war. 15.2 million refugees as of 2008 - 161,000 refugees settled in the US - so the effects and trauma continue in their new country.

Sexual violence - as a tactic of war - target young girls. Consequences physical and psychological. Sierra Leonne and Liberia. There are barriers to seeking service - language, fear, lack of resources.

Help is going into conflict and disaster areas. The Standing Committee guidelines from the Psychological Association are used. They do not provide direct services, but concentrate on training local people. Can make the situation worse.

Nayyar Javid from Canada spoke of the earthquake in Pakistan, and the many who are disabled after the crisies. In Pakistan, it is 26%. This has a different effect on men and women. If a woman, she has no support - abandoned by her family. If a man, the wife takes care of him.

Important to take it way from the individual - that it is a shared experience.