DISASTER AND

Stressors Associated
MENTAL HEALTH

with Disaster Work

LESSON 7

PRESENTED BY:
SOFIA CARY RAMIREZ
BSP 4-1
CONTENT
SYNOPSIS
1 OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

2 PERSONAL SITUATIONS/STRESSORS

3 STRESS REACTIONS
1. Occupational Occupational hazards in disaster
Hazards: work encompass a range of risks
and challenges inherent to the
nature of providing assistance in
crisis situations. These hazards
may include exposure to physical
dangers such as collapsing
structures, hazardous materials, or
extreme weather conditions.
Occupational hazards in disaster work refer to the
risks and dangers faced by workers during response
and recovery efforts.

Examples of occupational hazards include physical

injuries, exposure to hazardous materials,
psychological trauma, and infectious diseases.

Workers may encounter unstable structures,

contaminated environments, violence, and emotional
distress from survivors.

Proper training, personal protective equipment (PPE),

and adherence to safety protocols are essential to
mitigate these hazards.
2. Personal Situation /
Stressors:
The personal situations
and stressors experienced
by disaster workers can
vary widely but often
involve disruptions to their
daily lives and routines.
Leave their
families for
Financial
extended
concerns
periods

The
Emotional
Toll
Disaster work can lead to various
personal stressors for mental health
workers.
Long working hours, separation from
family, and disruption of daily routines
can contribute to stress and burnout.
Financial concerns, such as loss of
income or expenses related to
deployment, may add to the stress.
Balancing professional responsibilities
with personal needs can be
challenging, especially during
prolonged deployments.
Stress Reactions
of Disaster
Mental Health
Workers
Disaster mental health workers are
not immune to the stressors they
encounter during their work. Their
exposure to trauma, intense
emotions, and challenging
situations can trigger a range of
stress reactions. These reactions
may include symptoms of acute
stress, such as anxiety, irritability,
and sleep disturbances.
 Disaster mental
health workers may
experience a range
of stress reactions
due to their work.
Common reactions
include compassion
fatigue, secondary
traumatic stress,
and vicarious
trauma.

Secondary traumatic Vicarious trauma

Compassion fatigue stress occurs when refers to the
refers to emotional workers absorb the cumulative impact
exhaustion and
traumatic experiences of of hearing survivors'
reduced empathy
survivors, leading to traumatic stories,
resulting from
symptoms similar to leading to changes
continuous exposure
post-traumatic stress in worldview and
to trauma.
disorder (PTSD). beliefs.
Coping Strategies
Effective coping strategies are essential
for disaster mental health workers to
manage stress and prevent burnout.
Self-care practices, such as exercise,
meditation, and hobbies, help maintain
physical and emotional well-being.
Peer support and debriefing sessions
provide opportunities for workers to
process their experiences and seek
emotional support.
Setting boundaries, taking regular breaks,
and seeking professional counseling when
needed are crucial for self-preservation.
 Recognizing occupational hazards, personal
stressors, and stress reactions is the first step
towards building resilience.

AND

By implementing effective coping strategies and

prioritizing self-care, mental health workers can
continue to provide valuable support to disaster-
affected communities while safeguarding their
own well-being.
Thank you!