Ecological Disasters and Mental Health: Causes, Consequences, and Interventions

Abstract

Ecological disasters highlight the importance of understanding natural disasters as they relate to a changing global climate. Such disasters often have a predictable pattern of evolving over time and anticipated psychological and behavioral problems and community disruptions. Various factors enhance transmission of these adverse effects beyond the geographic location of the ecological disaster, with certain populations being particularly vulnerable to these effects. Understanding the range and pattern of these effects can aid in optimizing interventions. The use of evidence-informed interventions can reduce distress, enhance well-being, and improve functioning for affected individuals and communities. Effective preparedness involves an understanding of these factors, incorporation of them at all stages of disaster management, and continuous education and training for disaster planners and responders.

Cognitive biases operating behind the rejection of government safety advisories during COVID19 Pandemic

“…If the people perceived importance of the health behavior only then they would abide by the advisory if they perceive it otherwise their congruence with the health behavior will not be appropriate. This also has to do with their pre-existing belief system (Morganstein and Ursano, 2020). The misinformation from various sources with negative attitude increase the levels of stress and anxiety (Goyal et al, 2020)…”

The Impact of Quarantine and Physical Distancing Following COVID-19 on Mental Health: Study Protocol of a Multicentric Italian Population Trial

“…From a medical and sociological viewpoint, the pandemic caused by COVID-19 represents a unique event, since it does not resemble any other previous traumatic event, such as earthquakes or tsunamis (8). In those cases, the traumatic factors are usually limited to a specific area and to a given time; affected people know that they can "escape" from the event.…”

The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and implications for clinical practice

“…From a psychopathological viewpoint, the current pandemic is a relatively new form of stressor or trauma for mental health professionals [4]. It has been compared with natural disasters, such as earthquakes or tsunamis [5]. But in those cases, the emergencies are usually localized, limited to a specific area and to a given time; people know that they can escape, if they want to or if they have the possibility to do so [6].…”