Write about the types of natural and human caused disaster and their impact on behavioral health
Answers
Answer:
Introduction
Disasters are a complex global problem; it is an inevitable truth of our life. Every year individuals and communities are being affected by disasters, which disrupts their mental health and well-being. Economic and social development throughout the world is frequently interrupted by natural disasters[1].
The United Nation International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN-IDSR)[2] defines disaster as a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society causing widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. World Health Organization (WHO) defines disaster as a sudden ecologic phenomenon of sufficient magnitude to require external assistance.
Disasters are mainly of two types - Natural and Man-made[3]. Natural Disasters are the result of natural causes, for example cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis and tropical cyclones. Man-made disasters are brought about by human actions, including military conflicts, terrorism, political unrest and industrial accidents. He further argues that there is a superficial conceptualization of disaster in terms of natural and man-made. However, research suggests that both natural and social factors cause disasters, e.g. flooding might be the result of the combination of deforestation and climate change[3].
Rationale
Developing countries are more prone to disasters or hazards due to the various challenges like poverty, lack of resources, lack of educational opportunities, poor infrastructure, and lack of trained manpower, lack of awareness and knowledge of disaster mental health[4]. Mental health issues, in general, have been considered as a neglected subject especially in India as it is considered as a stigmatised problem. Mental health issues caused by disasters are even more neglected area. Thus, in order to fulfil this gap, there is a need to understand this study.
India is vulnerable to natural disasters and other types of disasters which leads to a significant loss in the affected population. The aftermath of disasters has a significant impact on the socio-economic and mental state of the victims. Apart from the government interventions, which focuses on the socio-economic condition, the psychosocial interventions are also being emphasized. It comprises of acceptance as a coping skill, which helps the victims to maintain social relationships positively and also protect and enhance their well-being. The interventions also include the awareness programme which helps the victims to practically visualize the situation and adopt effective measures to inculcate patience and resiliency in them. Thus, it helps the victims to adapt to the changes they experience post-disaster. These interventions assist the victims in normalising their mental health despite their loss. The victims who might develop psychotic symptoms are guided with the help of psycho-education and are encouraged to lead a better and positive life.