2024-10-31 14:37:00
Anxiety, stress and shock. These are some of the psychological effects that people affected by the torrential floods caused by the Dana could suffer. Above all, experts underline, it is necessary to reduce the level of uncertainty in information.
<img width="900" height="599" class="attachment-newpress-featured-large size-newpress-featured-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="Incertidumbre, ansiedad y estado de shock, los efectos psicológicos de la dana" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" data-attachment-id="359763" data-permalink="https://efesalud.com/efectos-psicologicos-dana-desastres-naturales-expertos-afectados/8eac8f3c061fa9b6f823ede13f720e742552d254miniw/" data-orig-file=" data-orig-size="900,599" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Dana desastres naturales" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="
Several people travel along V-31, closed to traffic due to the torrential rain of the last few hours. EFE/Miguel Ángel Polo
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Several people travel along V-31, closed to traffic due to the torrential rain of the last few hours. EFE/Miguel Ángel Polo
From the Urgencies, Emergencies and Catastrophes group of the Official College of Psychology of Madrid, the psychologist Gema del Pozoin statements a EFEtalks about the psychological effects of dana on those affected.
The expert assures that “the most important thing at this moment is to reduce the level of uncertainty of those affected”. Both for people who cannot find their relatives, and for those who have not lost anyone but do not know when they will be able to return home or if they will be able to do so.
At least 158 people have already died – provisional data – and others are still missing due to the damage in the Valencian Community and in Castilla-La Mancha, where incalculable damage has also been recorded. Another person died in Andalusia also due to floods.
The need to know
“All this catastrophic news that we receive generates a very high level of stress and at this moment psychological support must focus on being able to guide the affected people with all possible information,” says the psychologist, who is also part of the Spanish Society of Psychology Applied to Disasters, Emergencies and Emergencies (Sepadem).
Knowing the telephone numbers they can call, the resources they can turn to and consult are the first steps in intervening with those affected.
“If I lost my mother and I can’t find her, no matter how much someone comes to tell me ‘don’t worry, everything will be fine’, it will not cause that uncertainty and reduce stress,” explains the expert.
The block
He assures that it is normal for people affected by damage to have psychological effects and to be in a state of shock, i.e. blockage. It all happened “out of the blue” and is very stressful, so the brain can’t process what happened.
<img decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-attachment-id="359764" data-permalink="https://efesalud.com/efectos-psicologicos-dana-desastres-naturales-expertos-afectados/b3e28f63c0d0c114e1622a6f3a72635020265910miniw/" data-orig-file=" data-orig-size="900,600" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Dana desastres naturales psicología" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="
General view of a farm in Sedaví flooded due to the torrential rains of the last few hours. EFE/Miguel Ángel Polo
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It is precisely the information that gradually unlocks the person. However, the expert underlines that this is a difficult situation because those who have lost their homes cannot return “to their safe place”.
“The testimonies say that in five minutes everything flooded. There was no way to prepare for this. Right now those affected are in survival mode. The first psychological indicators will arrive in a few days, when the entire stress level will decrease and we will begin to see the reality of the situation”, says the psychologist from Faculty of Psychology of Madrid.
Support and listen
For his part, the communications manager of the Red Cross in Valencia, Ana Gomezunderlines to EFE that all kinds of situations have arisen in the municipal centers set up in Valencia, which they are trying to resolve individually because it was “a very difficult night”.
He agrees with del Pozo that there is uncertainty among those affected about how and when they will be able to return to their homes and what has happened to their material possessions.
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Relatives of those missing in Letur (Albacete). EFE/ Man
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According to him, it is still too early to know what psychological attention the affected people will need from now on. What is being done, therefore, is to make them feel that “they are supported and listened to”.
“We mostly deal with the most basic things, from charging cell phones to get all the information possible to urgent mediation if they need it,” says Gómez.
#psychological #effects #dana
Time.news Interview: The Psychological Impact of Natural Disasters
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the psychological impact of the recent torrential floods caused by the weather phenomenon known as Dana, which has affected so many in the Valencian Community and beyond. With us today is psychologist Gema del Pozo from the Urgencies, Emergencies and Catastrophes group of the Official College of Psychology of Madrid. Gema, thank you for being here.
Gema del Pozo: Thank you for having me. It’s important to shine a light on these issues during such trying times.
Interviewer: Indeed. The floods have resulted in tragic loss of life and significant damage, disrupting the lives of countless individuals. Could you shed some light on the psychological effects that people may be facing right now?
Gema: Certainly. The primary psychological effects we’re observing include anxiety, stress, and shock. Many individuals are experiencing a state of disbelief and a sense of blockage, as everything happened so suddenly and without warning.
Interviewer: You mentioned a “state of blockage.” Can you explain what that entails for those affected?
Gema: When individuals are in shock, their minds may struggle to process the events they’ve experienced. It’s a natural response to trauma. In many cases, they’re unable to grasp the full impact of what has happened, leading to heightened levels of anxiety.
Interviewer: That makes sense. In your opinion, what is the most critical support that affected individuals currently need?
Gema: Reducing uncertainty is key. Those who have lost loved ones are in desperate need of information—whether it’s about finding missing persons or understanding when they might be able to return home. This uncertainty can exacerbate their stress levels. Providing concrete information can help guide them and ease their anxiety.
Interviewer: It seems that the role of communication is crucial in these situations. What specific information should be prioritized to assist those affected?
Gema: Absolutely. Communication should focus on providing practical resources: emergency contacts, available shelters, and mental health support lines. Knowing where to turn for help can be tremendously reassuring.
Interviewer: You’ve stated that the initial stress levels may decrease over time. Can you elaborate on what we can anticipate in the days and weeks following this crisis?
Gema: Yes, as the immediate crisis begins to settle, individuals may start to process their experiences. This is when the psychological impact becomes clearer. We might see an increase in distress-related symptoms, such as heightened anxiety and grief. This is both natural and expected, as they begin to confront the reality of loss and disruption.
Interviewer: That is a powerful perspective. What advice would you give to family or friends of those affected by the floods who may wish to offer support?
Gema: Listening is key. Sometimes, just being there for someone, ready to listen without pushing them to talk, can be the best support. Encourage them to share their feelings and validate their experiences. It’s also important to direct them to professional help if you notice they’re struggling significantly.
Interviewer: Thank you, Gema, for sharing your insights on such a sensitive and important topic. As we move forward, we’ll surely need to prioritize mental health alongside physical recovery. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Gema: Yes, I just want to remind everyone affected that it’s okay to seek help. The emotions and responses you’re feeling are valid. Support is available, and recovery, while challenging, is possible.
Interviewer: Thank you once again for your time and expertise. It’s crucial that we continue the conversation about mental health in the wake of such disasters.
Gema: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
Interviewer: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Please stay safe and look out for one another during these challenging times.