The Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Associations (CANPA) is recruiting mental health professionals for regional deployment for Hurricane Melissa.
Lecturer in psychology at the UWI St Augustine and CANPA President, Dr. Katija Khan, stated the importance of treating mental health as an immediate need that complements other factors such as water, food and shelter.
“But survival is more than physical, and the psychological toll can be just as devastating. So early psychosocial support can help recovery from the physical impacts of disasters by helping people process loss and trauma, regain a sense of safety, and rebuild hope. Providers also support emergency responders, those on the front line who confront this suffering and the damage first-hand and who often neglect their own well-being.”
November commemorates mental health awareness for men, and when asked if disasters can affect men’s mental health differently from women’s, the CANPA President said that men can experience the same fear, grief and helplessness as anyone else. But social expectations can make it harder for men to express themselves.
“Many of them feel pressured to be strong, to protect and to provide even when they themselves are struggling. And this can lead to silent suffering, and anger and withdrawal, or turning to unhealthy coping behaviours like alcohol or drug use. So while both men and women are deeply affected, men are less likely to seek help or talk about what they’re feeling.”
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support professionals are encouraged to reach out to CANPA via their digital platforms to lend assistance to this cause.