Question

why is there an increasing focus on crises and disasters in the clinical mental health counseling profession. Reflect on events that occurred that contributed to the focus of the profession on disasters and crises.​

Answer 1

There is an increase in disasters and crisis nowadays, this causes increase in trauma, stress and anxiety related disorders. These are the main reason to increase in the focusing of clinical mental health counseling profession to focus more on crisis and disaster management. Counselors are being called upon to help by providing services in the aftermath of disasters and crises, whether natural or man-made. Naturally occurring disasters include, but not limited to, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc. While, man-made disasters include war, terrorism, nuclear or chemical attacks, riots, etc.

The aftermath of such events is traumatizing for many and they produce a lot of stress for others. The loss of properties, lives, loved ones, and the event itself is enough for place a lot of stress and trauma on people who are involved in that situation. Aftermath of such situations not only ravage the land but also the minds of people causing broken families, or communities, mood disorders, depression, anxiety related disorders, personality disorders, PTSD (post-Traumatic stress disorder), and many more disorders.

Recent hurricanes (Harvey, Irma, Maria, etc.), and wars (Syrian war, terrorist attacks in Paris, London, etc.) has left so much of destruction in its wake. It has destroyed properties, have left many homeless and traumatized, and refugees are pooling in at help center and camps. Lack of healthcare facilities and resources at these sites are making the conditions worse. Many of these people are suffering from mental distress and trauma of being directly involved in these events. In wake of such events, people seeking mental health counseling increases causing a shift of focus of counsellors to this area. Rehabilitating and helping such people can help rebuild the affected community faster.