Dear Counsellor:
MY CONCERN is about the upcoming hurricane season. Last year I developed panic attacks and nightmares after the passage of the hurricanes. I am dreading the passage of any hurricane as I think my symptoms will return.
Last year I had to be given medications as my symptoms were very severe. I would like to hear your views about the effects of hurricanes on the mental health of individuals. I have really started to worry.
Maizie
Dear Maizie:
You have brought up a relevant topic as the hurricane season is upon us. Hurricanes have devastating effects on individuals. Hurricanes cause displacement of individuals as well as death of loved ones. The mental health effects need to be taken seriously and preparation made for the resultant psychopathology. People have different symptoms resulting from the passage of a hurricane. Even the forecast of an impending hurricane can have deleterious effects on individuals.
The constant threat of hurricanes or storms creates a state of anxiety and panic in people. People become fearful and anxious and develop sleep problems, appetite problems and have nightmares. Some people develop acute stress disorder as well as severe post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people develop depression and anxieties as well as adjustment problems. People are anticipating the worst for this year because of their experience last year with the hurricanes.
Mental health treatment of individuals has to be part of the disaster plan for the island. There are a variety of mental health practitioners across the island who can offer counselling to the population. We need to sensitise the public on the mental health effects of hurricanes and offer advice on how to deal with this ever-present problem.
The rehabilitation of individuals involves counselling, medication and activities. There are three scenarios about the hurricanes before the hurricane, during the hurricane and after the hurricane. The negative effects cause people to generalise about impending disasters as well as personalise the episodes. Group counselling is good, as well as activities to express our feeling about the events. Story writing, storytelling, poetry, plays and painting are healing activities to help one to cope.
Some individuals will have to be given medications to calm the nerves. Prayer and thanksgiving are vital parts of our spirituality and coping mechanisms.
People need to be aware of where they can get counselling and seek help early.
My brother
died suddenly
Dear Counsellor:
MY YOUNGEST brother died recently. He had medical problems but was functioning well and wasn't confined to bed. He died on the way to the hospital and I did not get to say goodbye. I am very unhappy and cry daily. My brother's death has caused me to wonder about life and the trials and tribulations that we have to endure. I am
a praying Christian and hope for a brighter future.
Leonie
Dear Leonie:
Death of loved ones always causes individuals to question the purpose and reason for life. Loss of a loved one is a painful experience and people have emotional and behavioural problems because of it. Some people have delayed grieving while others have the grieving process starting from day one. Whenever someone is sick and gets progressively worse we start to think that the individual may die and some people start the grieving process. Other individuals seek out the latest doctors or medications or procedures to use with their relatives. Death is hard to accept and people have great difficulty with it. It is one of life's most painful experiences and one which everybody has to deal with.
Grieving is a process that goes on for many years with relapse on the anniversary of the death of the loved one. Individuals go through a process of denial, anger, depression and acceptance. The process can go on for many years. As part of the mourning ritual there are memorials and visiting of graves. Some people have ambivalent relationships with loved ones and so have a difficult time with the grief process. Counselling and support are needed.
Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson; El Shaddai Medical Centre; 9274824;
yvonniebd@hotmail.com
