Monitor Mental Health Following Earthquake

Monitor Mental Health Following Earthquake

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Sept. 6 /Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists shares the shock of the people of Christchurch and New Zealand following the recent devastating earthquake in Christchurch and advises people to monitor their mental health.

"The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists understands the New Zealand community's distress at the consequences of the earthquake," said President of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Dr Maria Tomasic.

"The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists expresses sorrow for the loss of homes and livelihoods, injury and the shock resulting from the Christchurch earthquake," said Dr Lyndy Matthews, Chair of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' New Zealand Committee.

"The people living in and including those visiting Christchurch and Canterbury this weekend may be affected by shock, grief and loss as a result of the earthquake. It is important that skilled mental health assistance is available to those people over the period of aftermath and recovery. Circumstances of loss, threatened loss and trauma are painful for people and may lead to considerable anguish, particularly for those most directly affected," said Dr Matthews.

"There is much that can be done to assist people in dealing with natural disasters in both the immediate aftermath and in the medium term for those who may experience longer lasting effects. Caution is required in the immediate response to avoid revisiting the traumatic events through 'debriefing' as this may compound the trauma. Attention should be directed instead to assisting people to recover with appropriate practical and sympathetic support and acknowledgement of loss and grief," said Dr Matthews.

"Media coverage of disasters can be confronting. Vulnerable people and those who may have previously experienced a disaster situation may find media coverage distressing," said Dr Matthews.

"Those people who may be feeling anxious, stressed, helpless or depressed as a result of the earthquake are encouraged to talk to others about their thoughts and can seek appropriate professional help. If people are feeling distressed they can seek help from health professionals, a telephone counselling service or visit their general practitioner," said Dr Matthews.

ENDS