Activity Status by Project Criterion for FY2014

Activity Status by Project Criterion for FY2014
Stem Center Planning and Coordination Director
Psychiatric Social Worker - Yuichi Watanabe
1.

Introduction
In FY 2014, the Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care
Center (hereinafter referred to as our center) considered
residents of the prefecture who were psychologically

Local
Residents
SupportRaising
Awareness

Support for
Supporters

Research

Human
Resources
Development

affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and those
who evacuated from the Miyagi Prefecture to otherprefectures as subjects of mental health care. We
implemented six projects tailored to the actual conditionsof the region to enable residents of the prefecture to livein the community as soon as possible (Figure 1). Please

Supportfor Various
Activities

Figure 1 6 Projects of the Miyagi
Disaster Mental Health Care Center

refer to Chapters 1 and 2 for details of the contents ofeach project.
Table 1 and Figure 2 show the activities of each business. Through the advice of the local support
divisions of the three centers, Kesennuma, Ishinomaki, and the Stem Center (Sendai); as well as theindividuals dispatched to municipalities, we played a role according to the situation in each area which
consisted primarily of supporting residents and other supporters. Eleven employees were dispatched to 9
organizations, and the duties assigned were different at each organization. The same has been aggregatedin this report. The staff of Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Department of Preventive
Psychiatry (hereinafter referred to as Tohoku University Preventive Psychiatry Endowed Course) and
Medical Corporation Tohokukai Tohokukai Hospital (hereinafter referred to as Tohokukai Hospital),
which cooperate as part-time staff of our center, and the Japan Social Worker Association for AlcoholRelated Problems and Non-profit organization Miyagi Prefecture Danshukai, who have made anoutsourcing agreement with our center; have handled individual cases, case studies, lectures forsupporters, and worked on setting up a self-help group. Supporters Club Members primarily cooperated
in holding cafés for residents. The Planning and Coordination Department has been working on issues
for the entire prefecture, such as publishing public relations magazines and planning training, taking
responsibility for roles other than providing direct support to residents, such as public relations withmental health care centers and media in other prefectures, as well as system management.

- 77 -

Table 1 Number of Activities by BusinessCommunity Support Division of Each Center
Kesennuma

Ishinomaki

StemPlanning/Core
Coordination
Management
Dispatched
Dept.

Part-time/
Other
Outsourced Supporters

Total

Local residents support

840

1,288

1,631

3,255

175

94

83

7

7,373

Support for Supporters

187

230

606

692

21

131

42

6

1,915

Raising Awareness

91

56

67

98

51

15

12

6

396

HR development

35

28

23

26

11

40

8

0

171

Various Activities
Support

6

2

1

1

14

0

0

0

24

Research

3

1

0

3

2

10

1

0

20

Coordinating
Meetings

411

169

524

1,139

365

16

8

0

2,632

Kesennuma Support Division C
Ishinomaki Support Division C
Stem Center Support Division C

Local Residents Support
Support for Supporters
Raising Awareness
HR Development
Various Activities Support
Coordinating Meetings

Dispatched
Planning and Coordination Department
Stem Center Management C
Part-Time / Outsourced
Supporters Club and Others

Figure 22.

Number of Hours per Activity by Project (excluding research)

Residents’ Support
This project aimed at preventing mental illnesses and improving mental health for victims.

( 1 ) Providing consultation support at the request of residents, municipalities, and other organizations
Based on requests from municipalities, various organizations supporting the disaster-stricken areas, andresidents; we provided consultation support by visiting and calling residents and care centers (Table 2). The
cumulative number of support targets was 7,135 (excluding the 238 through letters), and the estimated actual
number of recipients was 2,930.

- 78 -

Table 2 Cumulative Number of Interactive Initiatives by Support Method(excluding letters; N = 7,135)
Support Method

Number of Cases

Consultations by Visits
Consultations by Recipients’ Visits to Centers(includes support at consultation counter)

4,309
855

Consultations by Telephone Call
Consultations during Group Activities
Case Meetings (when support targets are attending)
Accompanying Consultations
Other

1,566
188
30
134
53

Total

7,135

① Regarding Support Targets
a. Support Activities Status
In FY2014, support for 2,798 people was newly started

Table 3 Support Activity Status(Cumulative number; N = 7,135)(Table 3, Figure 3). When support first began, 704 (25.2%) had

our center, and 2,094 (74.8%) had never received support fromother support organizations. A total of 4,337 people had

Support Activity Status

New

already received support from support organizations other than

Number of Cases

Have not received support fromother support organizations
Received support fromother organizations

Continuous support at our center(cumulative)

received support at least twice at our center.

2,094
704
4,337

Kesennuma Support Division C
Ishinomaki Support Division C

New (have not received support
from other support organizations)

Stem Center Support Division C
Dispatched

New (received support from othersupport organizations)

Planning and Coordination Department

Continuous support at our center(cumulative)

Stem Center Management C
Part-Time / Outsourced
Supporters Club and Others

Figure 3 Distribution of Support Activities (N = 7,135)
Of the 2,798 new support recipients, 50.3% (1,407) had a follow-up after taking the health survey(Table 4 and Figure 4). There were many requests from administrative organizations since we provided
support through administrative organizations and because some employees were dispatched tomunicipalities. Others included requests from neighbors and workplaces.
- 79 -.

Table 4 Channel Used for the First Support Session at Our Center(cumulative number, multiple selections; N = 2,798)
Consultation Channel
Health Survey/Visit to all houses
From Administrative Organizations
From the Individual himself/herself
From Family / Relatives
From Support Center /Temporary Housing Supporters
From Medical Welfare Institutions
Other

Kesennuma Support Division C

Number of Cases
1,407
732
432
266
145
35
44

Health Survey

Ishinomaki Support Division C

From Administrative Organizations

Stem Center Support Division C

From the Individual himself/herself

Dispatched

From Family / Relatives

Planning and Coordination Department

From Support Center /Temporary Housing Supporters

Stem Center Management C

From Medical Welfare Institutions

Part-Time / Outsourced

Other

Supporters Club and Others

Figure 4 Channel Used for the First Support Session at Our Center by the
Department in Charge (multiple selections; N = 2,798)- 80 -

b. Gender, Age, and Employment Status
The total number of recipients was 3,698 men (51.8%) and 3,430 women (48.1%). Regarding theage distribution of the support targets, the number of recipients increased with increasing age, withwomen over 70 years being the most prevalent (Figure 5). As the support activities of our center
were concentrated during the day on weekdays, 75% of individuals were unemployed. At the
Ishinomaki Regional Center, the largest cumulative number of support cases was for men in theirforties (Figures 6 and 7).
FemaleMale
Unknown GenderWork / Self-Employment(including leave ofUnemployedStudent
Unknown

Under 20
Age

20s

30s

40s

50s

60s

70+

Unknown

Figure 5 Number of Support Targets by Gender and Age (cumulative number; N = 7,135)

Kesennuma
Support Division
C
Ishinomaki
Support DivisionC

Kesennuma
Support Division
C
Ishinomaki
Support Division
C

Stem Center
Support Division
C

Stem Center
Support DivisionC

Dispatched

Dispatched

Other

Other

Under 20

20s

30s

40s

50s

60s

70+

Unknown

Figure 6 Number of Male Support Targets by
Age Group (cumulative number; N = 3,698)- 81 -

Under 20

20s

Figure 7

30s

40s

50s

60s

70+

Unknown

Number of Female Support Targets

by Age Group (cumulative number; N = 3,430)

c.

Disaster Status
The disaster status of the Great East Japan Earthquake shows that many people sufferedhousing damage (Figures 8 to 14).

ParentSpouseChild

Bereavement
1402, 19%

None
1832,
26%

SiblingGrandparent
Grandchild

No Bereavement
3901, 55%

Other Relatives (not above)
FriendNeighbor

Figure 8 Bereavement Status

Figure 9 Bereavement Details(cumulative number; N = 7,135)(cumulative number, multiple selections; N = 1,402)

Injured 323,5%
Individual himself/herself
ParentNone

Spouse2222,31%Child
Sibling

Not Injured

Grandparent

4590,64%

Grandchild
Other Relatives (not above)

158
1
4
5
0
0
0
75

Friend13

Neighbor

116

Figure 10 Whether Individual or Relative(s)Figure 11 Injury Details

Are Injured (cumulative number; N = 7,135)(cumulative number, multiple selections; N = 323)

None 464,74%

Complete Destruction
No Housing
Damage1079, 15%

Housing Damage
5592.78%

Half Destruction
Partial Destruction
Forced Removal from Home
Voluntary Evacuation
Unknown

Figure 12 Whether there was Housing Damage

Figure 13 Housing Damage Details(cumulative number; N = 7,135)(cumulative number; N = 5,592)- 82 -

Tsunami Sightings
Corpse Sightings
Danger of Life
Loss of Purpose in Life
Loss of Community
Loss of Assets Other Than Housing
Loss of Employment

Figure 14 Other Effects of the Disaster(cumulative number, multiple selections; N = 7,135)d.

Living Situation
The total number of people living in container type temporary housing and apartment type

temporary housing is 3,625, accounting for 50.8% of the total (Table 5, Figures 15, and 16). Other
housing included relatives and acquaintances' homes, housing facilities, while some were
hospitalized. Household statuses showed a total of 4,634 people (69.4%) living with their families,
while 48.5% of container type temporary housing and 51.9% of disaster public housing residents
lived alone (Figure 17).
Disaster Public
Housing 4%

Table 5 Current Living Environment

Other / Unknown 4%(cumulative number; N = 7,135)
Living Environment

Number of Cases

Home

2,949

Container Type Temporary Housing

2,418

Apartment Type Temporary Housing

1,207

Disaster Public Housing

262

Other / Unknown

299

Apartment Type
Temporary Housing 17%

Home 41%

Container Type
Temporary
Housing 34 %Figure 15 Current Living Environment Distributions(cumulative number; N = 7,135)- 83 -

0

1000

2000

3000

4000
Home

Kesennuma Support Division C

Container Type
Temporary Housing

Ishinomaki Support Division C
Stem Center Support Division C

Apartment Type
Temporary Housing

Dispatched

Disaster Public
Housing

Planning and Coordination Department
Stem Center Management C

Other / Unknown

Part-Time / Outsourced
Supporters Club and Others

Figure 16

Home

Container Type
Apartment Type
Temporary Housing Temporary Housing

PublicDisaster
Housing

Other / Unknown

Current Living Environment by Department

in Charge (cumulative number; N = 7,135)

e

Alone

Living Other / Unknown
Together

Figure 17 Current Living Environment andHousehold Status (cumulative number; N = 7,135)

Consultation BackgroundThe background of consultations varied widely (Figure 18). Some municipalities didn’t provide

support for high-risk persons, and 1.3% of the respondents answered that they had no particular problems.
Following consultations on mental and physical problems such as mental variation (28.2%),
addiction (21.7%), and health problems (24.6%), there were many consultations regarding changes in
the living environment (20.7%), family/household issues (17.2%), and economic / lifestylereconstruction issues (11.9%). In FY2013, "Health Issues," "Changes in the living environment" and"Mental variation" were the top three items, but in FY2014, addiction issues too were ranked high.

Mental Variation
Health Problems
Addiction
Changes in Living Environment
Family / Household
Economic / Lifestyle Reconstruction
Interrelationships
Loss of Relatives
Anxiety Regarding the Future
Problems Caused by Aging
Loss of Employment
Use of Social Resources
Job Problems
Education / Childcare / Transferring Schools
Radiation
Other / Unknown
None

Figure 18 Percentage of Consultation Backgrounds with Valid
Responses (cumulative number, multiple selections; N = 7,135)- 84 -

f Mental Variation
As for the presence or absence of mental symptoms at the time of support, 29.1% had symptoms
related to mood and emotion (Figure 19). The breakdown of mood and emotional symptoms was mainly
depressed moods, frustration, and reduced motivation. The percentage of mental variation was almost thesame as in FY2013, with no major changes observed.

Symptoms Related to Mood/Emotions
Sleep Problems
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety Symptoms
Addiction Issues
Hallucination / Delusion Symptoms
Behavioral Issues
Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms
Consciousness Disorders
Hysteria Symptoms
Epileptic Seizures
Pediatric-Specific Symptoms
Other Symptoms
No Symptoms

Figure 19 Percentage of Mental Variations with Valid
Responses (cumulative number, multiple selections; N = 7,135)
g. Psychiatric Consultation History, Disease Name, Onset Time, Current Treatment Status
A total of 2,653 individuals (37.2%) have
had a psychiatric consultation in the past (Table

Table 6 Psychiatric Consultation History andCurrent Treatment Status (cumulative number;
N = 7,135)

6). Of the 2,224 patients with a confirmed Psychiatric Consultation History(Ongoing Treatment)(End of Treatment)(Treatment Interruption)

1,990
169
439

(No Treatment)

24(Unknown Treatment Status)

31

disease name, 1,503 (67.7%) developed thediseasebeforethedisaster.

Looking

atWith Consultation
History

individuals for which the name of the disease has
been

confirmed,

F2(schizophrenia

schizophrenia type disorder and/Number of Cases

No Consultation History
Unknown Consultation History

3,917
565

delusional disorder) > F3 (mood disorder) > F1 (psychological and behavioral disorder caused by the useof psychoactive drugs) (Figure 20). The number of cases handled in F1 was about twice that of FY2013,
and as mentioned above, consultations regarding addiction increased. In F3, onsets before the disaster weresimilar to those after the disaster, and this tendency was similar in FY2014. In FY2013, the proportion of
onset in F4 (neuropathy / stress-related disorder and somatoform disorder) was almost the same, but in
FY2014, pre-disaster onset increased.

- 85 -

F0 organic mental disorders, including symptoms
F1 psychological and behavioral disordercaused by the use of psychoactive drugs
F2 schizophrenia/schizophrenia type disorder and delusional disorderF3 mood disorderF4 neuropathy/stress-related disorder and somatoform disorder
F5 behavioral syndromes related to physiological disorders and physical factors
F6 personality and behavioral disorder in adults
F7 intellectual disability (mental retardation)
F8 psychological development disorders
F9 behavioral and emotional disorders usually developing in childhood/adolescence
G4 epilepsy

Onset before disaster
Onset after disaster
Onset time unknown

No disease nameUnknown disease

Figure 20 Number of Cases by Disease Category for Individuals with PsychiatricConsultation Histories and Disease Names (cumulative number; N = 2,653)②

Regarding Support Contents

a. Support Methods
As for support methods, there were 4,309 support visit cases, accounting for 60.4% (Table 2). There

were also many telephone support cases by dispatched employees (Figure 21). The percentage ofconsultations by visiting the center and group activities was low. Other activities included consultations
via email.
b. Consultation Recipients
Consultations from the person of interest accounted for 86.1% of the 6,144 cases. There were also
888 consultations from family members and relatives (12.4%), as well as from acquaintances andworkplaces.

- 86 -

Kesennuma Support Division C

Consultations by Visits to Individuals

Ishinomaki Support Division C

Consultations by Individuals’ Visits to theCenterStem Center Support Division C

Consultations by Telephone Call

Dispatched

Consultations during Group Activities

Planning and Coordination
Department
Stem Center Management C

Case Meetings (when targets are present)
Accompanying Consultations

Part-Time / Outsourced

Other

Supporters Club and Others

Figure 21 Number of Cases by Support Method for Each Department in Charge(cumulative number; N = 7,135)c. Other Attending Organizations
Of

the

1,714

cases

attended

by

other

organizations, 45.6% were assisted by local
government officials and provided support (Figure

Municipalities
Support Center / Temporary
Housing Support Staff

22). The next category is support center andWelfare Related
Medical Institution

temporary housing support staff, which accounted

Health Centerfor 27.3%. The ratios varied greatly depending on

Other

the regional centers and the dispatched employees,
and each type of cooperation had unique features

Figure 22

Percentage of Other Attending Organizations with Valid

Responses (cumulative number, multiple selections; N = 1,714)(Figure 23).

Kesennuma Support Division C
Ishinomaki Support Division C

Municipalities

Stem Center Support Division C

Support Center / Temporary
Housing Support Staff
Welfare Related

Dispatched

Medical Institution

Planning and Coordination Department

Health Center

Stem Center Management C

OtherPart-Time / Outsourced
Supporters Club and Others

Figure 23 Other Attending Organizations Details for Each
Department in Charge (cumulative number; N = 1,714)- 87 -

③

Regarding Finished Support

Table 7

The number of cases in which support was

Correspondence Status

finished at our center in FY2014 was 1,636(Table 7, Figure 24). The final support
outcome for improved situations was 1,448
cases, which accounted for 88.5% of the

Outcome (N = 7,135)
Regular Consultations

3,448

Necessary Consultations

2,029

Other

4

Improved Situation

1,448

Referred to Other Organizations

144

Denial of Support

44

Continuous(cumulative)
Finished(Actual)Number of Cases

total. Of the 144 cases referred to other Other

18

organizations, 43.1% were transferred tothedepartment in charge of municipalities
Out of a total of 5,481 cases determined to be supported by our center, 3,448 (62.9%) had regularinterviews and 2,029 (37.0%) had interviews when necessary.

Kesennuma Support Division C

Municipalities

Ishinomaki Support Division C

WelfareOrganizations

Stem Center Support Division C

31.3%

MedicalInstitutions

Dispatched

Employment
RelatedPlanning and Coordination Department
Stem Center Management C
Part-Time / Outsourced

Justice
Related
Personnel

Supporters Club and Others

Other
Situation
Improvement

Introduction
to Other
Organizations

Denial of
SupportFigure 24 Outcome for Each

13.2%
2.8%
1.4%

Figure 25 Percentage of Number of Valid
Responses from other Institutions (N = 144)

Department in Charge (N = 7,135)( 2 ) Camping for children and their parents in the affected areas
Day camps for elementary school students and their parents in the affected areas, which have beenongoing since FY2012, were also held in FY2014. In FY2014, the purpose of the event was for parents andchildren to be able to feel refreshed in a new environment, for them to increase their interest in mental health,and to improve their self-care abilities. Participants were 20 children and 5 parents (4 all-day participants, 1
left midway). Recreation and psychological education were provided for elementary school students, whilemini-lectures, yoga, and hand massages were provided for parents. Besides, in FY2014, effective planning andmanagement were achieved through cooperation with the Boy Scout Miyagi Federation Sendai District.
- 88 -

(3)Conclusion
Compared to FY2013, the number of cases handled has increased by more than 1,000 cases. In addition

to the impact of the increase in the number of center staff, it is felt that the expertise of each center staff isbetter understood, and the role is clarified.
Follow-up rates after the health surveys which have continuously been high prompted the support ofdisaster victims. It can be seen that we work closely with local government officials to provide a lot of support
centered on visiting support. Four years have passed since the earthquake, and the background of consultations
has changed. The third most common “Change in Living Environment” has been replaced by “Addiction.”“Economy / Lifestyle Reconstruction” has dropped in ranking. Over the years, issues in the living environment
have gradually calmed down while new issues have emerged.
It is expected that occupation in disaster public housing will further accelerate in the future. In FY2014,
half of the disaster public housing and container type temporary residents’ consultations were with single
persons. A survey conducted by the Miyagi Prefecture points out the high risk of single persons. It is thoughtthat interactions are unlikely to surface with single-person households as their move into disaster public
housing continues, which will be an issue for FY2015 and beyond.

3.

Support for Supporters
Support contents include activities aimed at providing stress care and health promotion, as well as

professional advice to supporters dispatched as professionals to municipalities.
(1)

Overview of the Implementation of Support Activities for Supporters① Support Contents

There were 616 cases of guidance/advice from a professional perspective, followed by 474 cases ofadministrative work support (Table 8, Figure 26). Regarding the details of guidance/advice from a
professional perspective, “other” was the most common category (Table 9, Figure 27), but included caseswith schizophrenia, dementia, developmental problems, and guidance; and advice for general support.

- 89 -

Table 8 Support for Supporters Activity
Status (cumulative number; N = 1,915)
Number of
Cases

Number ofTargets

Post-visit/interview report

221

315

Advice/guidance fromprofessional perspective

616

2,098

Regional challenges

59

235

Workplace mental health care

71

322

Case meetings(when targets are present)

261

1,345

Establishment of mental
health consultation desk

45

50

Medical examination support

58

390

Clerical work support

474

848

Other

110

815

Support Contents

Table 9Details of Guidance / Advice from a Professional

Perspective (cumulative number, multiple selection; N = 616)
Professional Guidance / Advice Details

Number of Cases

Alcohol problems

120

Gambling problems

4

Drug problems

0

Depression

74

Complicated grief

14

PTSD

11
36
415

Abuse
Other

6,418

Total

Post-visit/interview report

Kesennuma Support Division C
Ishinomaki Support Division C

Advice/guidance from professional
perspective

Stem Center Support Division C

Regional challenges
Workplace mental health care

Dispatched

Case meetings

Planning and Coordination Department

Establishment of mental health consultation
desk

Stem Center Management C
Part-Time / Outsourced

Medical examination support
Clerical work support

Supporters Club and Others

Other

Figure 26 Support for Supporters Activity Status for Each Department in
Charge (cumulative number, multiple selections; N = 1,915)- 90 -

0

100

200

300

Kesennuma Support Division C

Alcohol
Gambling

Ishinomaki Support Division C

Drugs

Stem Center Support Division C

Depression
Complicated grief

Dispatched

PTSD

Planning and Coordination Department

Abuse
Other

Stem Center Management C
Part-Time / Outsourced
Supporters Club and Others

Figure 27 Details of Guidance / Advice from a Professional Perspective for
Each Department in Charge (cumulative number, multiple selections; N = 616)

② Support Targets

The support was mainly provided to government
officials (Figure 28).

Government officials
Temporary housing support staff
Private organizations
Medical personnel
Council of Social Welfare
Area Comprehensive Support Center
Support center
Education related personnel
Professional association
Elderly welfare
Disability welfare
Public organization
Child welfare
Company
VolunteerWelfare commissioner / Mayor
Health promotion staff
Residents’ association staff
PoliceSelf-Help G
Firefighter
Justice related personnel
Other area officers
Self-defense force
Fire brigade
Other

Figure 28 Support Target Details(cumulative number; N = 6,418)- 91 -

(2)Assignment of specialists to municipalities (seconded)
At the request of municipalities, specialists were dispatched as seconded staff members (Figure 29).

Dispatched staff were stationed in cities and towns and worked to reduce the workload of the staff members
in charge. Specifically, they provided support for health surveys and continued support after the surveys
through one-on-one support by visits, calls, and individuals visiting the center, as well as participation invarious meetings and administrative support. They also provided practical support for specialized
consultations such as supervision, alcohol consultations, and mental health consultations.
4/1/2012

4/1/2014

4/1/2013

4/1/2015

Kesennuma City
Continued in FY2015
Minamisanriku Town
Ishinomaki City
Eastern Health Welfare OfficeContinued in FY2015
Continued in FY2015
Continued in FY2015

Onagawa Town
Continued in FY2015
Higashi Matsushima City
Continued in FY2015

Shiogama City
Natori City
Iwanuma City

Continued in FY2015

Psychiatric social
workerClinical
psychologist

Occupational
therapist

Nurse

Figure 29 Dispatch Status of Dispatched Employees( 3 ) Conclusion
Supporters in the stricken areas may have tough lives as they are disaster victims. Additionally, supporters
who visit for assistance from outside the prefecture may feel burdened by living and working in unfamiliar
environments. Needless to say, it is the supporters who support the residents in the affected areas, while
caring for their mental health. It is considered necessary to continue to provide support from various aspects
in the future, by reducing the burden of the supporter's workload and providing technical support such as
supervision and case studies.
Dispatched staff have been stationed at their respective administrative organizations, allowing them towork closely with municipalities and their respective projects. It is thought that the deepening connection
with the local government officials is a factor in the increased number of dispatched employees, as comparedto FY2013.
While being staff members of the center, the dispatched staff members must understand the situation ineach area and have the ability to respond flexibly in cooperation with the personnel in charge. This role isexpected to become increasingly important and difficult as the local landscape changes. As the center, we
hope to further value and work on logistics support.
- 92 -

4. Raising AwarenessTo deepen citizens’ understanding of mental health, we published public relations magazines, spread
information through our website, created educational pamphlets, and conducted workshops and lectures(Table 10).
Table 10 Status of Activities to Raise Awareness (N = 392)
Number of Times

Contents

Number of Targets

Distribution of products to raise awarenessWebsite management/updates/sharing of information
Training to raise awarenessCafé activities
Activities to raise awareness utilizing mass media(Television / Radio)(Newspapers / Magazines)
Other
Establishment of mental health consultation desk
Presentations at academic societies and professionalorganizations
Corresponding with the press
Handling inspections
Other
Total

(1)

Publication of Public Relations Magazine
In order to spread awareness about the roles andactivities of the center and the Tohoku University

Table 11 PR Magazine Publication Status

Department of Preventive Psychiatry, the “Miyagi
Disaster Mental Health Care Center Newsletter” wasVolume Number

Month of Issue

Number of
Printed Issues

9

July

5,000

10

September

3,500

11

December

2,410

12

March

2,400

published four times (July, September, December,March) mainly for supporters in the affected areas, anddistributed to about 800 locations, including relatedorganizations in the prefecture (Table 11). In addition, apublic relations magazine

the page has been set up on the website so that users can browse issues from the past to the present at any
time.
There were also inquiries regarding training and event announcements thanks to public relations magazines.
- 93 -

(2)Creating and Distributing Pamphlets
Since FY2012, we have been creating and distributing pamphlets dealing with issues such as PTSD,

alcohol, depression, and insomnia that have been of concern since the earthquake. In FY2014, a total of three
types were created, one for heavy drinkers and two for mental and physical health during the reconstruction
period. A total of thirteen have currently been distributed. Following local needs, each center also created anddistributed its pamphlets and educational goods (Table 12).
Related organizations (municipalities, Area Comprehensive Support Center, Sendai City Mental Healthand Welfare Center) requested additional issues. Besides, there were cases in which telephone numbers werereferred to in various pamphlets, leading to telephone consultations.
Table 12 Pamphlet Creation Status
Distributed Areas

Whole Prefecture

New/Reprint

Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center
General Brochure

Reprint

3,000“Dementia - to support everyone-”“Let’s learn how to interact with alcohol”

Reprint
New/Reprint

5, 00012,000New30, 000

New

30, 000

New
New

1,600
200

New
Additional

300
2,000
1,000
2,000

“Mental health during reconstruction”“To everyone moving-for your mental and physical health-”
Kesennuma Regional
Center(Kesennuma/Minami
sanriku Area)
Ishinomaki
Regional Center(Ishinomaki/Onagawa/Higashi
matsushima area)

Number ofIssuesTitle/Content“Let’s start Promoting mental health”“For mental and physical health”
Pen for awareness
Pocket tissues for awareness (Additional)
Pen for awareness“Let’s start Promoting mental health”

New
New

( 3 ) Raising Awareness Using the Internet
The website was opened in FY2012 and is operated for purposes such as spreading information to
the general public regarding the center and sharing information on the training sessions and lectures. The
website was updated twice a month, with an average of 37 views per day. In FY2014, there were a total of
13,433 views.
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( 4 ) Training to Raising AwarenessAt the request of municipalities and related organizations, mental health training was conducted forresidents (general residents and professionals) (Table 13).

Table 13 Details Regarding Training to Raise Awareness (N = 63)
Number ofTimes

Contents

Number ofParticipants

Post-earthquake mental health3320

Regarding mental illnesses

11

242

Basic skills for listening (attentive listening)

2

Regarding addiction (such as alcohol problems)
Impact of disasters on children

12
4

108
326
183

Stress and mental health care/regarding self-care

21

352

Regarding physical health
Regarding mental health at work

6
3

97
341

Regarding the stricken areas and our center’s activities

140( 5 ) Café Activities
We worked with residents to conduct café activities and cooperated with support andadministrative organizations (Table 14).
Table 14 Café Activities (N = 179)

Sponsored/Cosponsored Cafés
Helping with Other
Institutions’ Cafés

Each Center’s Community Support Division
Kesennuma Ishinomaki Stem Dispatched

Other

Total

24

39

0

2

2

67

16

0

17

78

1

112

( 6 ) Utilizing Mass Media to Share Information
Through mass media (TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, etc.), we conducted activities to share
information regarding mental health issues and the center’s activities. In particular, FY2014 wascommemorating the 20th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and hence there were many
related reports. Alongside discussing how the lessons of that event had been passed on, we also introduced
the activities of the center.

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( 7 ) Co-sponsoring and supporting various training sessions and events• 3 co-sponsored• 3 supporting( 8 ) Conclusion
While providing high-risk approaches to those who are at-risk, spreading information relevant to the
local population also has important implications for the population approach. However, if the means fordelivering information is biased, important information may not be delivered. A variety of methods havebeen used thus far, such as the distribution of pamphlets and public relations magazines, the Internet, mass
media, and café activities, and an e-mail magazine is scheduled to be issued from FY2015. We hope to try
and improve the information network by taking multiple approaches.

4.

Human Resource Development
We conducted projects to spread knowledge on various issues and develop human resources for

professionals and supporters related to the field of mental health (Table 15). We also held various
workshops and dispatched instructors to municipalities and other organizations.

.

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Table 15 Human Resource Development Status (N = 171)
Number ofTimes

Number ofParticipants

3

155

1
32

22
1,198

(29)
(3)

(641)
(557)

53
(15)

1,276
(463)

(stress and mental health/about self-care)

(17)

(423)

(other）

(21)

(390)

Mental health training for supporters
Workplace mental health training

8
9

558
248

Mental health training for children

15

664

Regarding health training for the elderly

2

44

Suicide prevention-related training

8

Training about mental illnesses/disabilities

12

208
411

About the situation in the stricken areas and the center’s
activities

11

415

Case studies

7

31

Other

10

322

171

5,552

Contents
Disaster social gathering
Media conference
Addiction-related issues(about alcohol）(about other addictions）
Support skills training(how to listen attentively）

Total

(1)

Social Gatherings
A “Disaster Mental Health Care Social Gathering” was held to exchange and share information

with related personnel such as the administrative and support staff. As the transition to public housing fordisasters gradually progressed, this provided an opportunity to think about building a new community
based on the lectures and group work of those involved in disaster relief. In FY2014, the event was held in
Sendai City, Ishinomaki City, and Minamisanriku Town.
(2)

Media Conferences
The theme of the conference was "Measures for suicide prevention in the disaster-stricken areas

and the media's approach ~how to collaborate in the future~." We discussed how we could work together
in the future and spoke about understanding the media and mental health initiatives from the time of theearthquake to the present. In FY2014, the conference was sponsored by the center in cooperation with the
National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry.
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(3)Earthquake-related Training
Various training sessions were conducted to acquire knowledge and skills, and building a network toaddress issues related to the earthquake. Regarding training on addictions, especially alcohol, as in
FY2013, training was conducted for the staff of this center at Tohokukai Hospital, an alcohol specialty
hospital. In FY2014, we conducted a training on alcohol-related issues for municipal staff in the Sendai
Health and Welfare Office and the Iwanuma branch office to improve the responsiveness of local
government officials who are at the core of the region.
( 4 ) Co-sponsoring of various training sessions and events• 10 co-sponsored• 4 supporting( 5 ) Conclusion
Since the opening of the center, the contents of various initiatives that have been undertaken forhuman resource development have also changed over time.
Social gatherings, which are held as a place to exchange information and for interaction especiallyfor those who have busy schedules, were implemented in FY2014 with the theme of transitioning todisaster public housing and creating a new community. Although this was the first event held in
Minamisanriku Town, there were many participants, including supporters and local welfare officers.
The theme of the media conference was on suicide prevention in disaster-stricken areas and how we
could work with the media. We discussed with the mass media, such as local newspapers and community
FM, about how various local initiatives, such as support for bereaved families, could connect and work
together. The training sessions on themes related to the earthquake were conducted for administrative
staff at Tohokukai Hospital, a specialized alcoholic hospital.
The challenges that arose in the region over time and the themes that related personnel seek arechanging. Going forward, we will continue to focus on the needs of the region, identify the themes thatare currently being sought, and create useful projects.
5. Other( 1 ) Support for various activities
We co-sponsored and supported training sessions and other activities requested by variousorganizations to support the activities in cooperation with municipalities, health centers, various support
organizations, and related organizations that were active in the prefecture.
( 2 ) Research
A research project was conducted to understand the situation of affected areas and disaster victims.
A part of this was conducted as a subsidiary research project for research for the Ministry of Health,
Labor and Welfare (shared research).
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① Health Survey for Local Government Officials

At the request of the municipalities, a health survey was conducted for local government officials in

Minamisanriku Town and Kesennuma City. Subsequent follow-ups and data analysis was conductedin cooperation with the Tohoku University Preventive Psychiatry Endowed Course and the Kesennuma
Regional Center.
② Health Survey for Municipal Social Welfare Councils
At the request of the Miyagi Prefectural Council of Social Welfare, a health survey was conducted
For the staff members of six municipal social welfare councils (Kesennuma City, Higashi Matsushima City,
Shichigahama Town, Yamamoto Town, Onagawa Town, and Sendai City). Subsequent follow-ups anddata analysis was conducted in cooperation with the Tohoku University Preventive Psychiatry Endowed
Course and each regional center.
③ Management of Research GroupFor the research project to run smoothly, a research group was organized to establish a support system
for research in this center.
④ Construction of Statistical System
In addition to elucidating the overall results by collecting business reports, a statistical system wasconstructed to clarify the needs and necessary support in the areas after the earthquake. A support system
for system input was established, and based on the statistics accumulated in the database, a report on theaggregated data was made. Besides, to know the actual number of
support services, a system was added to assign IDs to business reports.
⑤ Bulletin Publication
1,200 copies of Bullet
in No. 2 (FY2013) were issued as a report on activities at this center and were distributed to about 850
related organizations.
⑥ Presentation of Research
Abstracts and symposiums were presented in academic societies (Table 16).
Table 16 Research Presentation
Presentation ContentsCamp-related projects for children andparents in the affected areas
Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center
Activity Status
Abstract
Presentation

Disaster area support system during thereconstruction period
Support for disaster victims through“gatherings”
Group practice with supporters- 99 -

Numberof Times
411
11

Occupational Therapists Association disaster relief ofThree Prefectures
Related to support victims and postdisaster community mental health activities
Symposiast

1

Related to suicide

61

Related to child support

1

Contributions

1( 3 ) Other Activities① Staff-wide Meetings and Training Sessions
In addition to preventing the dispatched staff from being isolated, these sessions were held a totalof five times on the fourth Friday of every other month (May, July, October, January, February) as anopportunity for sharing information among the regional centers. Two of them were conducted at theregional centers. The contents were examined and implemented based on a questionnaire for staff
members from FY2014.
② Three Prefectures’ Mental Health Care Center Meetings

Workshops and study sessions were held to exchange information with the mental health carecenter staff in Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate Prefectures, which were established in the wake of theGreat East Japan Earthquake.
•

Three Prefectures’ Mental Health Care Center Meetings (June, December)•

Miyagi Fukushima Joint Study Session, Information Exchange (August, February)

8. Conclusion
In addition to the reports listed above, we have also spent a lot of time attending meetings andcoordinating and discussing with various organizations. In FY2014, more than 2,000 such cases werereported. In addition to respecting the intentions of the local government officials and working closely withvarious supporters in the region, it can be said that we are all respectfully engaged in rebuilding the region
together.
While relocation to disaster public housing and the formation of new communities are in full swing, theaffected areas are entering a new phase, such as the reduction of container type temporary housing. Whilemaintaining the basic stance we have valued in our efforts over the past three years, we will continue torespond flexibly to the needs that arise in new situations.
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