Psychosocial response to disasters--some concerns.
This paper is confined to a discussion of some of the possible harm and problems that came about as a result of the psychosocial interventions that were carried out in the post-tsunami phase. It also discusses some of the coordination activities that were carried out. It is accepted that there were many psychosocial initiatives that were well planned and were very useful to the community; however, this paper does not discuss those projects. It is mainly based on the experience gathered from working in the East coast of Sri Lanka for over five years and also from being involved in post-tsunami coordination work that was done with over 60 different organizations in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Experiences from the neighbouring Ampara and Trincomalee districts are also included.
Ganesan
M
M
Mental Health Unit, Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka.
D001208:Asia; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D003469:Culture; D004190:Disasters; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011584:Psychology; D012944:Social Support; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric