I’ve written several times in the past about the growing mental health crisis in the hurricane affected Gulf region. Not only are the level of depression, PTSD, and other disorders at significantly higher levels due to the disaster, but there is a significant shortage of professionals to deliver services to all those in need.
About 80 percent of local psychiatrists have left town, according to one study they cited. A survey taken weeks after Katrina showed that nearly half the people interviewed for the study probably needed psychiatric help.
In response to this, late last week FEMA awarded a large grant to Lousiana for mental health treatment. It is the secnod largest grant for this purpose next to the one awaarded to New York for the 9/11 attacks. The article also briefly mentions the stigma associated with psychological treatment that may prevent some people from utilizing services. Hopefully the significant of the events can inspire people to look beyond any fear of seeking help, and that this money can help to resolve a serious crisis.
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2 Comments to
“Mental Health, FEMA, & Katrina”
August 24th is the anniversary of Hurricane Andrew which devasted Southern Dade County Florida in 1992.
The incidence of mental unwellness due to it’s impact was great. No government assistance
was ever given for mental health workers, private psychologists, etc, to treat the victims. The incidence of PTSD rose dramatically, and the suffering continues to this day. http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/facts/disasters/fs_natural_disasters.html
I feel greatly for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, in all the States: Fl, LA, MS. What we, victims of Hurricane Andrew, learned was that you cannot rely upon government to help you. You cannot rely upon the
non-profits to help you. You might be able to rely upon your neighbors, should they live through the disaster.
On ANDREW’S 10th anniversary the government finally admitted that, indeed, Hurricane Andrew was a category 5 storm. They refuse to admit, still, the death toll. I’m sure the thousands who died in Katrina will likewise be secreted. This
denial only adds, in my opinion and many expert’s, to the incidence of mental illness.
With all the disasters that have beset this Nation recently (in the scheme of history) what we need from the
government is a national program to treat it’s Citizens for PTSD. What I see as part of the problem is that
people who have not experienced a disaster don’t realize the need, and those who have stood in the face of
death, are unable because of that experience, to advocate for themselves and others for this need.
Though the XXI century is passed for the age of psychologists and lawyers, it’s a pitiable to realize that in the face of disaster we are still unsecured and have no noticeable professional and governmental assistance either in the US or in any other part of the world.
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 22 Aug 2006
