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Reflection Journal: Disaster Interventions Assignment
Belinda Richard
TRMA820: Disaster Mental Health and Community Response (D03)
Dr. Ford
November 12, 2023
Author Note
There are no known conflicts of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to
Email:
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Reflections Journal #3
The Key Ideas
This week's readings provided me with a deeper understanding of the impact that suicide
and mass violence have on individuals, families, and communities. It also emphasized the
significance of doctors in assisting trauma survivors and provided valuable insights on effective
strategies to reduce their impact. Skaine's research in 2015 highlights included national suicide.
Health difficulties can lead to suicide. While survivors grieve and have many concerns, society
must deal with the problem and its effects. We may inadvertently produce suicide risk factors.
Depression, mental illness, household weapons, and despair raise suicide risk. Jacobs (2018)
found that many specialize in problem-solving. Stress and traumatic event management matter
and can help this group and others with self-care and coping skills.
The world has experienced many disasters. School shootings, hurricanes and tornadoes
have increased mental health expert demand after 9/11. These and other catastrophes have
shaped Western culture. Overwhelming environmental catastrophes may never have meaning.
While some people will endure the event's emotional agony and grief, others will suffer.
As per Jacobs (2016), disasters can be divided into three phases: preparation, emergency,
and recovery. These stages shed light on the needs of survivors and the interventions of
physicians. Preparation and prevention involve familiarizing oneself with the various
community resources available for daily assistance and support in the event of an incident
(Jacobs, 2016). Stebnicki (2016) and Jacobs (2016) highlight the importance of conducting
thorough and well-planned assessments to address physical, emotional, and practical needs. The
needs of individuals can vary greatly depending on factors such as age, coping skills, and
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limitations (Jacobs, 2016). According to Jacobs (2016), basic activities such as staying
connected with family, dressing, and getting around may be disregarded. The speed at which
long-term healing occurs varies based on personal preferences and factors such as open
communication within the family (Jacobs, 2016). Tasks such as assisting with phone check-ins
may appear insignificant. The impact of trauma on cognitive performance should be taken into
consideration due to its significance. Help with phone calls may be needed in these cases
(Jacobs, 2016; Stebnicki, 2016).
Impact
Responding to suicides or natural/human-made disasters reminds us to be compassionate,
patient, and humble to survivors. Practitioners must prioritize self-discipline, active listening,
pausing before speaking, and regulating extreme emotions. The module readings emphasize
listening and comprehending trauma experiences (Jacobs, 2016; Stebnicki, 2016). Clinicians
must adequately assess the issue before making recommendations. This shows that we respect
survivors' feelings and validate their perspectives. Recognition of the hazards of intense
sensations is essential to logical thinking and comprehension. Individuals will approach these
circumstances with their unique feelings and histories. Our clients may have a variety of feelings
and negative responses. Knowing our triggers and being relaxed are essential. Self-care and
emotional awareness may help. We provide a safe environment for trust and healing through
humility and openness.
In response to suicides and natural disasters, I have witnessed and been a part of both.
Living in the South has afforded me that luxury. The text states of how the survivors are left in
the aftermath of suicide and this is the truth. I can remember seeing my friend minutes after and
wondering where I failed him; why I did not see the signs of him struggling. May people (I’ll
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admit I used to be one of them) often state that the person who commits suicide is selfish. I no
longer have that belief. It is the deep despair and the desperation that drives a person to end his
or her life. I became a therapist to have an impact on ending Veteran suicide and so far, I am
happy to report that I have been successful but only by the grace of God.
Christian Worldviews
A study on the impact of disasters revealed that individuals who have a spiritual or
religious inclination may face challenges in reconciling their beliefs after going through such
traumatic events (Lim, 2019). Based on research findings, a study on the religious aspects of
disaster recovery revealed three significant outcomes: enhanced connection with a higher power,
improved spiritual practices, and more positive responses (Lim, 2019). This is fascinating and
essential to understand because survivors can utilize coping skills related to their faith to foster
transformation and development. This information is crucial for individuals to understand, as it
can provide solace and support to survivors. By placing their trust in a higher power and having
faith in their abilities, individuals can navigate through their struggles with the assurance that
they are not alone. This enhances one's strengths and resilience levels when facing challenging
situations.
The Bible serves as a reminder to rely on divine guidance rather than solely relying on
our own understanding. It encourages us to place our complete trust in God (Proverbs 3:5) (NIV,
2020). This bible verse serves as a reminder to pray for discernment and to consistently seek
clarification from God in order to diminish negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. It is
worth noting that prayer has the power to bring about change and how God can guide you from a
state of waiting to one of action, providing you with the necessary things. This also
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demonstrates how challenges can be transformed into chances for personal development among
survivors.
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References
Jacobs, G. (2016). Community-based psychological first aid: A practical guide to helping
individuals and communities during difficult times. Elsevier Science.
Lim, J. L. (2019). Individuals' religiosity and emotional coping in response to disasters. Journal
of Contingencies and Crisis Management Volume 27, Issue 4.
New International Version. (2020). New International Version.
Skaine, R. (2015). Abuse: An encyclopedia of causes, consequences, and treatments. ABC-
CLIO.
Stebnicki, M. (2017). Disaster mental health counseling: Responding to trauma in a
multicultural context. Springer Publishing Company.
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