The regions of India, Saipan, Pakistan and the Philippines are often vulnerable to chronic posttraumatic consequences stemming from the more frequent occurrence of critical incidents such as floods, typhoons, earthquakes etc. Mental health resources are often limited or not fully available to respond to the overwhelming demands that ensue following these disasters. Psychological trauma can be prolonged due to the effects from the death of loved ones, the separation of families in the relief efforts, and the loss of a place to call home.

There is clear consensus among psychology experts that beyond the toll in human life, major disasters such as the tsunami and Pakistan earthquake may pose a massive mental health problem as thousands are left haunted by the memories. Posttraumatic symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behavior, sleep disorders and social withdrawal are commonplace among survivors of such disasters, often elicited by normal occurrences of the sounds of the ocean waves, emergency sirens or experience of aftershocks, which can trigger intrusive recollections and emotional distress. Caregivers are also vulnerable to developing compassion fatigue and secondary posttraumatic symptoms resulting from long-hours immersed in helping survivors. PsyCorps is committed to addressing the short and long-term suffering of our international community by pursuing the expansion of psychological support systems for survivors, relief responders and caregivers.

Developing Indigenous PsyCorps Support Team in Sri Lanka
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Returning to Sri Lanka for post-tsunami PsyCorps Team Development and Training
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February 2006 Newsletter
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First Anniversary of the Tsunami
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PsyCorps Team:  Back from the Gulf Area
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