Most people do not see themselves as needing mental health services following a disaster and will not seek such services. Survivors may reject disaster assistance of all types. Disaster mental health assistance is often more practical than psychological in nature. Disaster mental health services must be uniquely tailored to the communities they serve. Mental health workers need to set aside traditional methods, avoid the use of mental health labels, and use an active outreach approach to intervene successfully in disaster.
Survivors respond to active, genuine interest, and concern.
Interventions must be appropriate to the phase of disaster. Social support systems are crucial to recovery. Males over age 75 have the highest suicide rate of any age group. Drug abuse in the form of multiple medications is common. Slower rates of metabolism increases the possibility of drug interactions and side effects.