The effects of climate change and the high levels of pollution emitted by the population and industry today trigger a series of negative consequences worldwide.
Natural disasters such as tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes constantly hit different areas of the planet, leaving irreparable damage.
This natural instability warns the world of a state of emergency, not only medical but also psychological, as this type of events gives rise to many disorders and traumas that can only be treated by mental health specialists.
We lived the hurricane season in the Caribbean, and the recent earthquakes in Mexico make us think of all the people who are affected in their mental health due to the damages,”
says Waynner Guillén Jiménez, President of the Professional Association of Psychologists of Costa Rica.
In order to prepare for this type of emergency and be able to treat those affected in a timely manner, the Professional College of Psychologists is training a group of professionals in psychology in a program on the basic principles of psychosocial approach, articulated to the National Management System risky.
This is not the first time that the College involves professionals in psychology of the country in the area of emergencies and disasters. It has a history of psychological intervention groups in coordination with the National Emergency Commission, the Ministry of Health, and the Brigade of Psychosocial Attention to Emergencies and Disasters of the UCR.
The expert in psychology clarifies that this type of actions must be very well articulated and carried out only by the authorities in charge.
Providing emotional support, fostering respect and tolerance, alleviating symptoms, and reinforcing self-esteem are some of the key strategies for psychological intervention in emergencies and disasters.