Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Services in The Disaster Management Paradigm: Concepts and Theoretical Perspectives
摘要
The chapter “Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Services in Disaster Management Paradigm: Concepts and Theoretical Perspectives” discusses the pressing need for the integration of psychosocial support and mental health into disaster management frameworks. Disasters, whether natural or human-induced, affect every aspect of the lives of those impacted. They can result in substantial losses of life, property, livelihoods, and dignity, all of which have profound effects on people’s well-being and mental health. These impacts include psychological and emotional consequences that disrupt the balance of individuals and communities, impairing their ability to function effectively. This necessitates the need for immediate and comprehensive psychosocial and mental health support among disaster-affected populations, especially in a country like India, which is highly prone to multiple disasters. This chapter presents a detailed overview of the concepts and theoretical perspectives of psychosocial and mental health interventions within the disaster management paradigm. The chapter discusses the psychosocial impacts of disasters on individuals and communities, particularly vulnerable populations such as children, women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with special needs. The mental health and psychosocial interventions for different phases of disaster management such as preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation are included. Furthermore, the challenges and barriers in providing the required support and assistance such as limited resources, nuances in coordination among different agencies and stakeholders, and cultural stigma are explored. The given case studies and best practices demonstrate the successful implementation of appropriate interventions, their implications, and lessons learned for future initiatives. Additionally, related international and national policy frameworks, ethicalities while practicing, and the limitations of existing systems are mentioned. Integrating psychosocial support and mental health services in disaster management is important in developing resilience and facilitating recovery. Therefore, the chapter highlights the need for holistic disaster management policies and frameworks with a focus on the emotional and mental well-being of individuals, interdisciplinary collaboration, multi-stakeholder coordination, and continuous improvement.