The Mental Toll of Trauma

CSTS Helps You Prepare, Respond, Recover

When natural disasters strike, like Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi River flooding or the earthquake, tsunami and radiation threat in Japan, we tend to think survivors’ immediate needs are: safe food and water, places to live, and tools to rebuild lives and communities.

For disease outbreaks, our thoughts may go to medical care for the affected.

The 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States and civil unrest in foreign countries might cause concern for victims and families of victims.

But, there is another dimension to the consequences of traumatic events we may not immediately think of — the psychological well-being of those involved.

What do we know about psychological responses to disaster trauma?

What research informs first responders and health care providers of effective psychological response strategies to traumatic events?

What is known about the psychological impact and health consequences for service members exposed to extreme environments and traumatic incidences?

Where can military families find resources to help them with traumatic events?

How does all of that translate into disaster resources and interventions with military and civilian populations? read more>>>