Elli Rae L.

Pedraza Kristel Dhiane Aballe PSYCHOLOGY OF DISASTER

Psyc 47 YB

I. Introduction In a world of climate change, freak storms are the new normal. Why were unprepared for harrowing future? Natural Disasters have become so commonplace that they hardly receive passing notice on the news unless there have been a large number of casualties. Mudslides, tsunamis and floods are just few of the ways nature strikes on a daily basis, leaving behind destruction and heartache. Humans have

learned to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes, earthquake and hurricanes, ut no amount of preparation can lessen the impact that natural disasters have on every aspect of society. The biggest visible effect of disaster is the physical ruin they leave behind. Homes, vehicles and personal possessions are often destroyed within a short period of time, leaving families homeless and shutting some businesses down permanently. Possessions are not hard to replace, as many people keep insurance on their property and tangible goods. The emotional toll of disasters is much more

devastating. The death of a loved one may be the worst scenario but its not the only lasting emotional effect victims experience. Whole communities may be displaced, separating friends and neighbors; victims face anxiety and depression as they wonder if it could happen again. In extreme cases, they may experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

II. Body Catastrophes are unpredictable, large-scale events such as natural disasters and war that must everyone appraises as threatening. Think of how you would feel if you were in the center of the continuing war between the military and the rebel forces. What would life be like under the constant threat of direct violence, of fearing harm and death? On the other hand, how would you feel if you were a victim of a typhoon, flood, fire or earthquake? Rubonis and Bickman found rates of psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety, to be higher in a disasters wake. One possible effect of catastrophe is post-traumatic stress disorder, which includes nightmares, flashbacks, depression, anxiety and intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event. Anyone can be traumatized. Even professionals who work with trauma or other people close to traumatized person can develop symptoms of vicarious or secondary traumatization. Many changes after a trauma are normal. In fact, most people who directly experience a major trauma have severe problems in the immediate aftermath. Many people then feel much better with few months after the events, but others recover more slowly, and sure that do not recover enough without help. Becoming more aware of the changes ones undergone since trauma is the first step toward recovery. Symptoms of trauma can be described as physical, cognitive (thinking), and emotional. PHYSICAL: 1. Excessive alertness, on the look-out for signs of danger 2. Easily startled

3. Fatigue/exhaustion 4. Disturbed sleep 5. General aches and pains COGNITIVE: 1. Intrusive thoughts and memories of the event 2. Visual images of the event 3. Nightmares 4. Poor concentration and memory 5. Disorientation 6. Confusion EMOTIONAL: 1. Fear 2. Numbness and detachment 3. Depression 4. Guilt 5. Anger and irritability 6. Anxiety and panic