Humanitarian Aid Workers: The Forgotten First Responders

被引:16
作者
Macpherson, Robert I. S.
Burkle, Frederick M., Jr. [1 ,2 ]
机构
[1] Harvard Univ, Harvard Humanitarian Initiat, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
[2] TH Chan Sch Publ Hlth, Cambridge, MA USA
关键词
humanitarian care; mental health; non-governmental agencies; posttraumatic stress disorder; war and conflict;
D O I
10.1017/S1049023X20001326
中图分类号
R4 [临床医学];
学科分类号
1002 ; 100602 ;
摘要
Humanitarian aid workers are an overlooked population within the structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research and assistance. This negligence is an industry-wide failure to address aid workers' psychological health issues. The suspected numbers of death by suicide, diagnosed PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, hazardous alcohol and drug consumption, emotional exhaustion, and other stress-related problems are impossible to quantify but are considered endemic. Tools for establishing organizational frameworks for mental health and psychosocial support are readily available. However, the capacity to implement this assistance requires the creation and practice of an open and non-judgmental culture, based on the realistic acceptance that aid work has become inherently dangerous. The possibility of developing a psychological problem because of aid work has increased along with the rise in levels of disease, injury, kidnapping, and assault. As a result, expressions of traumatic stress have become the norm rather than an exception. This commentary outlines the essential steps and components necessary to meet these requirements.
引用
收藏
页码:111 / 114
页数:4
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