Resilience in the Face of Disaster: Lessons From September 11 and Katrina

Large-scale disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, have shed light on the incredible resilience some victims display. They have also shown the many psychological problems victims face when their world literally comes crashing down.

Since the 1940s, mental health professionals have studied the effects of stress caused by disasters. While most individuals cope with these events without suffering long-term effects, some people develop major depression and/or anxiety disorders. This includes posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The American Psychiatric Association defines a traumatic event as a life-threatening situation that evokes feelings of intense fear, horror or helplessness.

In short, witnessing trauma, death and suffering on a large magnitude can take a tremendous toll on one’s emotions and mental health. Reasons for psychological problems after a disaster can include:

being injured or near death
witnessing the suffering or death of others
experiencing the loss of one or more friends, co-workers or loved ones

First responders—secondary victims

Research shows that more than half of the workers and volunteers involved in the aftermath of Sept. 11 were at great risk for developing mental health problems, including depression and anxiety disorders. The risk for PTSD was four times greater for Sept. 11 rescue workers than would be found in the general population. Because of the unpredictability of large-scale disasters, workers are almost always under-prepared for the psychological toll.

Resilience

Since every disaster is unique, there are no clear guidelines for how victims or responders can cope or balance their lives for that event. However, knowing the factors that affect psychological well-being (resilience) versus distress can help victims prepare for, and cope with, disaster.

Characteristics of personal resilience

healthy detachment—distancing yourself emotionally from distress-provoking circumstances
high initiative—taking charge and ownership of your circumstances and problems
perspective—the ability to see the short- and long-term implications of challenges and difficulties
perseverance—the ability to push ahead even when you don’t feel like it
accepting that it may take a long time and great effort to recover and feel better
resourcefulness—using imagination and creativity in overcoming difficult circumstances
insight—accurately identifying problems and challenges
moving quickly into the solution
willingness to try new things
identifying a larger personal meaning that is positive and relevant for you

Personal support

The link between levels of personal support, stress and depression following a disaster is clear. The loss of social support and sense of normality that come with familiar surroundings (a home, neighborhood, school and job) has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of psychological problems in some individuals. Being alone or separated from loved ones raises the risk of stress-related disorders and depression in normal life circumstances.

Those with good family and social support are less likely to suffer stress disorders and depression after a traumatic event. Having someone to talk with or simply “be with” after a traumatic event is a tremendous help.

In the face of disaster, victims and first responders need good support systems. This can include professional support, such as employee assistance programs. These resources offer immediate comfort, as well as assessment and counseling for those in need.

Sources:

North CS, Pfefferbaum B. (2002) Research on the mental health effects of terrorism. Journal of the American Medical Association, 288(5):633–6.

Pengilly JW, Dowd ET. (2000) Hardiness and social support as moderators of stress. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 56:813-820.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV-TR, 4th edition. The American Psychiatric Association, 2000.