Course

Unit 1

Introduction to Disaster Mental Health– concept, meaning, DMH Mission, Values, Ethics and Assumptions- Major disasters in India and other nations: Needs of the disaster survivors-Psychosocial care – Definition-Historical development of psychosocial Significance of Psycho-Social Support and Mental Health Services (PSSMHS) in Disaster Management-Hindrances to psychosocial care programmes.

Unit 2

The psychosocial impact of disasters– Theories of Psychosocial care- Emotional and behavioural reactions of the survivors across various phases: Normal and Abnormal reactions-Principles of emotional support

Unit 3

Emergency planning and Training– Psychosocial assessment-PSSMHS in Relief Camps -Early intervention approaches – psycho education, psychological first aid, crisis intervention, debriefing, defusing- PSSMHS during Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Phases-Handholding exercise -PSSMHS for Vulnerable Groups – children, women, aged and disabled. PSSMHS for Care-Providers-Integrating PSSMHS with General Relief Work & the Health Plan. Referral System-Role of NGOs in PSSMHS-Psychosocial care and cross cutting issues – HIV/AIDS, Alcoholism, Poverty, Migration, Displacement, Community based psychosocial care models in disaster management- NIMHANS model of psychosocial care -World Health Organization- American Red Cross Model-Other models –Evidence base for community integrated models. Indicators of recovery – impact, distress, disability and quality of life

Unit 4

Disaster Preparedness in PSSMHS- Planning and Preparedness -Resource Mapping-Preparedness for PSSMHS-Capacity Development -Research and Development-Documentation -Community Participation – Role of Community Level Workers, Role of Professional Social Workers; Infrastructure for PSSMHS -Hospital Preparedness -Network of Institutions -Public-Private Partnership – Technical and Scientific Institutions -Communication and Networking -International Co-operation -Media Management

Unit 5

IASC Guidelines on Mental Health– Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Services in Disaster Management-NDMA Guidelines- Sphere Standards in Psychosocial Care.

Text Books / References

Textbooks:

1. Murthy, Srinivasa R and M K Issac: ‘Mental Health Needs of Bhopal Disaster Victims and Trainingof Medical Officers in Mental Health Aspects’, Indian Journal of Medical Research, 86 (Suppl): 51-  1987
2. NIMHANS, National Workshop on Psychosocial Consequences of Disasters, NIMHANS, Bangalore1997Eherenreich, JH, Coping with Disasters, A Guidebook to Psychosocial Intervention, New York : Mental Health Workers without Borders.
3. Norris, F. H., Galea, S., Friedman, M. J., & Watson, P. J. (Eds.). (2006).Methods for disaster mental health research. Guilford Press.
4. Jaswal, &GandeviaK.. Mental health Consequences of Disaster – Special Issue, The Indian Journal of Social Work, Vol. 61(4). 2000
5. Juvva, S and P Rajendran:‘Disaster Mental Health’, Indian Journal of Social Work, Vol 64, No 4, pp527-41. 2000

Suggested Readings:

1. Raphael, B., & Stevens, G. (2020). Disaster mental health care in Australia: Guidelines and interventions(2nd ed.). IP Communications.
2. Everly, G. S., & Lating, J. M. (2017). The Johns Hopkins guide to psychological first aid. Johns Hopkins University Press.
3. Reyes, G., & Jacobs, G. A. (Eds.). (2006). Handbook of international disaster psychology: Vol. 1. Fundamentals and overview. Praeger Security International.
4. World Health Organization. (2013). Building back better: Sustainable mental health care after emergencies. WHO. https://www.who.int
5. Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC). (2007). IASC guidelines on mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings. IASC. https://interagencystandingcommittee.org

The course aims to help understand the psychosocial impact of disasters and the need for providing psychosocial care and emotional support to disaster victims

Course Objectives:

1. Togain understanding of the mental health issues associated with Disasters
2. Tounderstand the importance of psychosocial care for the victims of Disaster
3. Toenable students to understand the intervention models and approaches to the victims and care
4. Toenable students to understand the importance of disaster preparedness and the role of social workers in Disaster

Course Outcomes

1. Thestudent will be able to assess the psychosocial problems in Disaster
2. Thestudent will be able to use appropriate models for providing psychosocial
3. Thestudent will gain social work skills to work in disaster situations and understand their role in disaster management

CO-PO Mapping: (Course Outcome and Program Outcome Mapping).