Essay On Natural Disaster

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Climate change and rapid variations in weather patterns have put both developed and developing countries equally at an increased risk of occurring natural disasters (Polain, Berry and Hoskin, 2011). Polain et al (2011) explains, in the last decade alone, many countries have endured life threatening natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tsunamis and closer to home here in Australia wild bushfires. With the amount of anticipated natural disasters only expected to increase, there is an urgent need to support the groups and individuals who are identified as being most vulnerable to natural disasters (Redwood and Abrahams, 2011). Redwood and Abrahams (2011) further explains that, mental health needs will continue to change and develop as counties evolve through the stages that follow a natural disaster. It is critical that the complex mental health needs are taken into considerations from a service perspective and become an integral component of disaster readiness, response, and recovery (Carol & Pfefferbaum, 2013). The complexity of social, environmental and psychological dynamics pre and post a natural disaster cannot be underestimated consequently the response of mental health care providers needs to be available so that treatment needs can be identified and initiated to those affected (Fernandes & Boehs, 2013). This critical analysis identifies the current literature that explores the correlation between natural disaster, the pre and post complications and the contributing negative implications on mental health. Incorporated in the analysis will be literature that supports a recovery orientated focus of mental health response as well as discussion specific to the developments of conditions such as; post-traumatic stress... ... middle of paper ... ... paper, natural disasters and the treatment needs for those affected populations vary, consequently highlighted in this analysis is a need for individualised treatment. The author has divulged the strengths, weaknesses, limitations and barriers outlined in the current literature and the associated risk factors that individuals may be predisposed to following a natural disaster including, social and environmental constraints. Additionally this analysis supports literature that discusses a recovery orientated focus of mental health response and discusses the development of conditions such as, PTSD. Furthermore the author has endeavoured to incorporate a variety of current literature to support arguments that ultimately identifies a need for further research in response to the effects natural disasters have on mental health for those directly and indirectly affected.

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