When the impact is collective
A crisis is an unexpected and infrequent, shocking or destructive event that causes losses, and that requires significant efforts and resources to be overcome by individuals, families, communities and institutions.
An emergency , in turn, is a crisis in which a large number of people, families, organizations, or the entire community are affected, requiring them to interrupt their usual activities and dedicate themselves to managing the emergency. A disaster , on the other hand, is an emergency caused by a natural phenomenon that results in damage.
The specific characteristics of mass emergencies are:
- They affect many people and families, which encourages solidarity among them.
- Community infrastructure and services are affected, so the quantity and quality of available resources decreases.
- There is usually a large media presence, from which it is imperative to protect minors.
- The trend of isolating children is increasing, even in organizations specifically designed for this purpose.
- Often, given the seriousness of what happened, family and psychosocial support networks become more closely linked.
Collective trauma, individual consequences
We can say that trauma occurs when a person suffers an experience that shatters their sense of security (emotional, physical, or both). Collective trauma occurs when this type of event affects an entire community.
One of the major challenges of mass emergencies is secondary victimization resulting from chaos and a lack of information . Just as primary damage is caused directly by the impact, secondary damage occurs during the management of the first.
In the face of these types of catastrophes, it is always important to keep in mind that:
- All affected individuals respond with symptoms of acute stress.
- Some people will recover without any lasting effects; others, however, will experience discomfort and secondary symptoms.
- Proper management can prevent, and in any case mitigate, the chronicity of the symptoms.
- Coping ability and resilience can be stimulated, but also limited and destroyed.
- It is better to invest in boosting the recovery of affected people than to leave it to chance.
Living with trauma
Throughout history, there have been unpleasant events that have been difficult for the population to process. Thus, collective trauma is the damage caused by an event that impacts many people simultaneously and in the same way, but whose consequences are individual. That is, a single, large-scale impact with differences in the development of subsequent individual symptoms (as happened with COVID or the recent flooding disaster in Valencia). If these situations ultimately lead to social trauma (a feeling shared by the entire population) that will entail changes in social dynamics and community identities, we will see it over time. The effect of a traumatized society is felt in the long term.
Collective trauma is the damage caused by an event that impacts many people at the same time and in the same way, but whose consequences are individual.
At an individual level , people may present:
- Fear and anxiety.
- Feelings of helplessness.
- Intrusions of images of what happened.
- Insomnia.
- Hyperalert.
- Changes in beliefs about life and how the world is.
At a collective level , it may happen that:
- Inequalities are exacerbated.
- Increase collective fear.
- A collective identity crisis occurs.
- Feelings of disorientation or alienation may arise.
On the other hand, we can also see signs of healthy coping mechanisms and even social improvements. Furthermore, the feeling of belonging to a group that is coping healthily with a potentially traumatic situation can have a positive impact on a person's mental health and individual recovery. After some emergencies and disasters, there has been an increase in the feeling of social cohesion and commitment , an increase in acts of solidarity, greater organization, and more cooperation at different social levels.
Involving the community in both recovery activities and farewell or remembrance rituals is vital to minimizing disaster-related trauma.
One of the factors that fosters the emergence of coping strategies is the increased social contact within the group, especially in the weeks following the incident. Therefore, it is crucial to have sufficient resources and to manage the situation effectively during and after the event. The experience and the meaning attributed to what happened will determine the subsequent reaction and whether or not trauma develops.
Community involvement is not an end in itself, but rather fundamental to the overall recovery. After a disaster, community involvement helps communities make decisions about their recovery.
To reduce emotional distress following the loss of a loved one
Recovery, a community process
The usual phases in a crisis situation are:
- Impact.
- Shock or adaptation phase (up to 72 hours after the impact).
- Coping phase (from 72 hours to one month after the impact).
- Recovery phase (from one month to one year after the impact).
- Resolution phase (starting from the year).
In the initial weeks, it is crucial to share accurate information regularly and implement short-term recovery activities . As time progresses, continued involvement and collaboration ensure that communities can develop a vision for the future and make decisions about longer-term recovery activities. Community engagement can restore a sense of empowerment to communities that often feel helpless after experiencing significant loss and trauma. This is essential for the healing process of individuals and the community as a whole. Experts, organizations, and institutions can contribute the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to empower the community and build its resilience in the future.
The most important thing is the direct effects of the catastrophe , which will affect, for example, people's ability to participate:
- Difficulties may arise with what they consider bureaucratic processes.
- Many people will use their energy on the functions of daily life, which have become more complex and require more time.
- Many will suffer economic hardships.
- Some may find themselves physically displaced from the community, living in alternative accommodations or being absent from the area for long periods of time.
- Some may be isolated due to their disability, age, or culture, which can worsen after the catastrophe.
Timelines often vary, and needs and priorities change rapidly (in the early stages, they can change daily). However, involving the community in both recovery activities and farewell or remembrance rituals is vital to minimizing disaster-related trauma.
Mutual support networks, a key part of emotional well-being in the community
A successful recovery is responsive and flexible and should:
- To enable those affected to manage and actively participate in their own recovery (for example, through bereavement and mutual support groups).
- Try to meet the needs of all affected communities.
- Consider the values, culture, and priorities of all affected communities. It is important to respect cultural differences and take religious aspects into account.
- Utilize and develop people's own knowledge, leadership, and resilience .
- Recognize and accept that different paths to recovery can be chosen.
- Ensure that the specific and changing needs of the affected communities are met with flexible and adaptable policies, plans and services .
- Build strong partnerships between communities and participants in the recovery process. Engage the third sector to proactively provide support.
Finally, special attention must be paid to not blaming, not diminishing or limiting people's autonomy, and not excluding anyone.
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