The Experience of a Mental Health Team Involved in the Early Phase of a Disaster

Author:

Berah E. F.1,Jones H. J.2,Valent P.3

Affiliation:

1. Monash University, Department of Psychological Medicine, Prince Henry's Hospital, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004

2. Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne

3. Prince Henry's Hospital, Melbourne

Abstract

The reactions of a volunteer mental health team which convened in the aftermath of the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires are reported. A questionnaire designed to explore psychological and physical responses was completed by the 19 staff who made up the team. Using both open-ended and closed questions, the questionnaire tapped such areas as motivation, goals, expectations and observations, initial and later emotional and physical reactions, fantasies and evoked memories; an evaluation of the service and the experience was also included. Analysis of responses indicated that team members experienced considerable stress during their postdisaster work but also gained a great deal at both professional and personal levels. Sources of stress are discussed as are recommendations for their alleviation.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Psychiatry and Mental health,General Medicine

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