Psychological Recovery: Skills for Coping After a Disaster

Running Head: HEALTH CARE 1
Psychological recovery
Author's Name
Institutional Affiliation

HEALTH CARE 2
Introduction
Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) approach has been designed to assist the
community in coping positively after a tragedy or a disaster (Wade et al., 2014). Disasters can
strike anywhere and cause a range of mental health problems among the affected population.
How fast the individuals go back to their usual level of functioning relies on their coping
strategies and support networks. As asserted by Bhagani (2017), about 20% of the affected
population can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological First Aid model
is commonly used in emergencies. Mental health treatment and care should continue beyond the
immediate aftershock of a disaster for complete psychological recovery.
There are 6 main skills for psychological recovery that can be taught to individuals to
improve coping and promote faster healing. These simple strategies and skills can be provided
by the mental health counselors and workers.
The survivors need to focus on their most important and immediate concern by gathering
information and prioritizing assistance.
Those affected can be taught the skill of problem-solving so that they can take care of
problems that can be managed on their own. With an action plan in place, they can respond
effectively and move forward (Bhagani, 2017).
The survivors must get involved in positive activities that can help them build resilience.
By promoting positive actions, the individual receives a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment in his
or her life.
Breathing retraining and writing exercises can help the survivors to manage their
distressing physical and emotional reactions effectively as asserted by Bhagani (2017).