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Mental health volunteers assist with recovery
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Posted on Sep 09 2015
The American Red Cross continues to provide relief to those affected by Typhoon Soudelor on Saipan. In addition, the Red Cross has provided emotional support and health services in collaboration with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s Community Guidance Center at the shelters, during client home visits, and at the Red Cross NMI Chapter.
Mental health volunteers Anne Erhard, Jennifer F. Maratita, and Janet McCullough. (Contributed Photo)
The mental health component of the disaster relief effort plays a critical role in providing residents with tools to help cope with the aftermath as well as providing an opportunity to talk about their experience. Mental health volunteers have also assisted parents to help their children cope following both Typhoon Soudelor and Tropical Storm Goni. The local American Red Cross disaster mental health volunteers were joined by a team of seven Red Cross mental health professionals from the U.S. mainland to assist in providing mental health services.
Normal reactions to a disaster: apathy/depression; nightmares; startled reactions; muscle tremors; sleep disturbance; fatigue; feeling overwhelmed; disorientation; difficulty concentrating; difficulty making decisions; reluctance to abandon property; disbelief; anxiety; moodiness; restlessness; irritability; numbness; guilt; fear; withdrawal; amnesia
If these symptoms last more than a month, it is recommended that you consider seeing a mental health counselor.
For your mental health survival: get some rest; allow yourself to cry; don’t stay by yourself; stay calm and relaxed; accept help from others; talk about your feelings; notice positives; don’t blame; limit decisions to today’s needs.
Alcohol or drugs may delay recovery.
Should you or a loved one need assistance with coping in the aftermath of the storms, you can call the Community Guidance Center at 323-6560. (ARC)
