{"id":39218,"date":"2023-11-17T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-17T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=39218"},"modified":"2023-11-17T16:30:03","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T16:30:03","slug":"ptsd-bytes-recovery-from-disasters-and-mass-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=39218","title":{"rendered":"PTSD Bytes: Recovery from disasters and mass violence"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, host Dr. Colleen Becket-Davenport<\/a> discusses mental health after disasters and mass violence with Dr. Patricia Watson, a clinical psychologist at the National Center for PTSD<\/a> and consultant with the VA PTSD Consultation Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Defining disasters and mass violence<\/h2>\n

Disasters are defined as large-scale events that cause loss of life and property, and they can be split into two categories: natural disasters and mass violence. Natural disasters include hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes and droughts; mass violence refers to human-caused disasters, such as shootings and acts of terrorism.<\/p>\n

People can have different reactions to disasters, and different types of disasters can cause different mental health symptoms. The most common post-disaster mental health problems include depression, anxiety, PTSD, increases in alcohol and\/or drug use, unstable mood, problems falling asleep, and fear and grief during anniversaries of the event.<\/p>\n

Survivors also commonly experience physical symptoms, such as stomach aches or headaches. In addition, large-scale catastrophic events can change the way people look at the world. This can cause feelings of vulnerability, distrust in others, isolation and a decreased sense of control.<\/p>\n

First responders may also develop similar symptoms, as they are the people directly impacted by the disasters. They tend to have more numbing symptoms, such as diminished interest in things they used to enjoy or feeling cut off from other people. They may have improved positive coping skills due to their years of experience and sense of purpose in helping a community. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Treatment options<\/h2>\n

Stress reactions after a disaster are normal, and there is no one \u201cright way\u201d to manage trauma. Treatment immediately after the event generally focuses on establishing safety and connecting you to social support. Options for longer-term treatment include:<\/p>\n

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