International Federation stresses immediate psychological support for disaster victims
6 April 2001

Victims of disasters need immediate emotional and psychological support said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, marking the World Health day on 7 April, which this year focuses on mental health. Psychological wounds may be less visible than material losses such as the destruction of homes, but they often take far longer to heal.

Experience shows that psychological needs permeate and affect all other aspects of relief such as shelter, food and basic health care. Recognizing this need, more than 60 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies throughout the world have in the past decade increased the emphasis on providing psychological support programmes as part of their daily operations. These activities are supported by the International Federation Reference Centre for Psychological Support, established in 1993 in cooperation with the Danish Red Cross.

Today, the Federation marked the occasion by launching a publication entitled Psychological support: best practices from Red Cross and Red Crescent programmes. The book compiles 15 case studies of psychological support projects and mental health services.

"Neglecting emotional reaction may result in passive victims rather than active survivors, but early and adequate psychological support can prevent distress and suffering from developing into something more severe and will help the people affected cope better and return more rapidly to normal life, " said Federation President Dr Astrid N. Heiberg, herself a psychiatrist, at the launch. "Our ambition should be to heal not only the wound, but also the wounded."

One of the most important lessons drawn from this study is that psychological support to people affected by disaster can be delivered effectively by training volunteers with no technical background. They are part of the communities affected by disasters and can both react immediately in times of crisis and carry on the long-term support to the victims. "We should keep in mind that whilst only a small number of disaster victims develop serious mental illnesses, the great majority does not require professional treatment, but care and support," stressed Dr Heiberg. "Most of their needs can be met by providing psychological first aid; being present and listening to people's stories."

The study shows that providing people with information on normal stress reaction is vital. People need to know that their reactions are not unique, without this reassurance, people may feel they are going mad. "Living through a disaster shatters an individual's view of the world as a safe, predictable and controllable place, " said Lise Simonsen, editor of the publication. "People's illusion of being untouchable breaks down. Therefore, fear and anxiety are predominant feelings in the aftermath of disaster."As the world's largest humanitarian agency with a network of 176 National Societies and some 100 million members and volunteers, the Red Cross Red Crescent movement is uniquely placed to provide psychological support at an early stage following a disaster.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

In Geneva :

Christopher Black, Information Officer Tel : + 41 22 730 4377/ +41 79 217 3345
Solveig Olafsdottir, Information Officer Tel : +41 22 730 4296 / +41 79 416 3881

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.