Arda Kazım

Demirkan Samsun LIV Hospital Department of Psychiatry, Samsun, Türkiye

Demirkan AK. Mental Health Strategies and Services for Earthquake’s Victims. Hızlı Sayar G., Çınaroğlu M ed. Psychopathology and Treatment After Earthquakes. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.39-44.

ABSTRACT

Disasters, both natural and human-induced, disrupt societies by causing substantial physical, economic, and social losses, especially for segments lacking sufficient coping capacities. This chapter outlines the necessity of flexible, dynamic post-disaster mental health strategies to address the unpredictable nature of disasters and the varied needs of victims, ranging from direct survivors to those indirectly affected through media exposure.

In the immediate aftermath, mental health services must connect with emergency institutions to organize crisis-oriented responses. Attention is particularly focused on the impact phase where survivors require urgent mental health interventions alongside rescue and recovery efforts. Primary concerns include the continuation of existing psychiatric services, provision of medical drugs, and treatment of acute mental disorders. Establishing temporary workspaces for mental health professionals becomes essential when typical facilities are compromised.

As the situation progresses into the short-term and long-term phases, the focus shifts to addressing ongoing and emerging mental health issues, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Strategies include utilizing cognitive behavioral approaches, psychopharmacological treatments, and community-based interventions like group, family, and child therapy. Additionally, training non-specialists like primary care providers in disaster mental health is emphasized to extend the reach and effectiveness of interventions.

Throughout the phases, maintaining communication, offering guidance, and integrating services with ongoing public health efforts are crucial for effective mental health management post-disaster. The chapter advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes not just immediate responses but also preventive measures and long-term support systems to manage the psychological aftermath of disasters effectively.

Keywords: Disaster medicine; Mental health services; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Crisis intervention, Emergency medical services