Why Disaster Psychiatry Matters: Protecting Minds in Crises

Disasters, both natural and human-made, can seriously harm our mental health. Climate change and wars are making these events more common. In fact, about 400 major disasters happen each year, affecting over 1. 5 billion people. The mental health impacts are huge. People may feel stressed, anxious, or even get PTSD. But it's not just about immediate effects; long-term problems like forced displacement and economic struggles can also take a toll.Disaster Psychiatry is a special field of psychiatry that focuses on helping people deal with these mental health issues. It's not just about treating people after a disaster; it's also about preventing and preparing for future disasters. This includes training mental health workers and teaching people how to manage stress. The World Health Organization wants at least 80% of countries to have mental health plans for disasters by 2030. This shows how important it is to be ready. Psychiatrists don't just treat patients; they also advise decision-makers on how to prevent disasters. This means they play a crucial role in protecting mental health before, during, and after crises.