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Recovering psychologically from a disaster can take years
and requires people to feel in control of their lives
again.
That was a key finding from reports into the
psychological recovery of the Christchurch and Kaikōura
earthquakes and the reports are still very relevant today,
says Sir Peter Gluckman, director of Koi Tū: The Centre for
Informed Futures at the University of Auckland.
He
urged policymakers to support both the physical and
psychological recovery of those affected.
In 2011, in
his role as Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister, he
was asked by the Government to write a briefing paper The
psychosocial consequences of the Canterbury
earthquakes. In 2016, it was revised and
re-released as a briefing paper The
psychosocial consequences of the Kaikōura
earthquakes.
The reports highlight the
phases and prolonged nature of emotional responses to a
disaster, which will vary according to the individual and
their circumstance.
“The key finding was that
recovery is not complete until agency has been restored to
people and they feel in control of their lives again. And
that can take years after physical recovery.”
He
says the scale of the recent flooding and cyclone disasters
will likely compound years of health concerns, disrupted
education, business losses and economic challenges from
Covid-19. He urged policymakers to give attention to both
short-term and long-term social, educational, psychological,
and economic recovery.
“Crises exacerbate
inequalities and inequality makes people more vulnerable in
and after a crisis.
“We need to reflect on whether
this series of storms and floods interacts with the residua
of that pandemic and whether it may make the psychological
consequences for many people, more severe or more prolonged.
There are reasons to think some will have become more
psychologically vulnerable, while many show great
resilience. A sense of community will be
critical.
“The scale of the recent flooding and
cyclone disasters compound years of health concerns,
disrupted education, business losses and economic
challenges. Some of the greatest storm damage is in areas of
relative disadvantage. Policy makers will need to give
attention to both short-term and long-term.
“There
will be long periods of uncertainty for many, irrespective
of short-term assistance. Questions abound such as can they
rebuild on the land they own? Can their businesses and the
local economy recover? Can their dreams and investment in
their lives be recovered, and can their fears about the
future be addressed?
“Those affected will progress
through the cycles of emotions, as I discussed in 2011.
These will challenge both local and central governments. It
will not be easy, and we can expect fear, anger,
frustration, and resignation to be exhibited over many
months. Rebuilding psychological equilibrium will take
longer than the physical recovery for many. We are in for a
long haul.”
Sir Peter’s full statement on
psychological recovery from disasters is
available
here.
© Scoop Media
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