Examines risks to mental health for people facing emergencies, incidents, disasters, and pandemics and how to meet their needs.

This book presents a decade of advances in the psychological, biological and social responses to disasters, helping medics and leaders prepare and react.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that all emergencies, major incidents and disease outbreaks can have substantial mental health consequences, and it has demonstrated the proven need for additional care for populations in the wake of disasters. This book brings together practice and recent developments in pre-hospital emergency care, emergency medicine and major trauma care with the wellbeing, psychosocial and mental health aspects of preparing for and responding to emergencies, incidents, terrorism, disasters, epidemics, and pandemics. Practical suggestions are included for future planning to provide better care for people caught up in emergencies. Setting it apart from other books on emergency preparedness is its specific focus on the psychosocial demands imposed on staff of healthcare and responding services. Featuring expert contributions from a wide variety of disciplines, this book appeals to people working within mental healthcare, emergency care, pre-hospital medicine, Blue Light services, public health, humanitarian care, emergency planning, and disaster management.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of recent COVID-19 associated challenges posed in relation to mental health and well-being. An understanding of the topics covered in the book is essential in the context of designing strategies to protect our mental health and well-being from further harm due to the pandemic. Not only can professionals in the fields of psychiatry, counselling and education benefit from this book but so can the public and private sectors and the general public.

IN HIS TIMELY BOOK, RONALD R. PARKS, MPH, MD, EXAMINES THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 OR OTHER FORMS OF CRISIS, LOSS, OR TRAGEDY ON INDIVIDUAL MENTAL HEALTH. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many have experienced extreme personal loss and are suffering responses, not unlike those faced by survivors of natural disasters. Dr. Parks’ health interests began as a child growing up in rural Maryland. After developing a high fever and stiff neck, he was diagnosed with polio and rushed to City Hospital for Children. The experience changed his life forever. This book focuses on a holistic approach to mental health during times of significant crises and challenges. Topics covered include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, addictions, pandemic fear; how to recognize early signs of mental health difficulties and their origins; coping and finding the help you need; and ways of regaining health, balance, stability, and longevity. The book has an upbeat style that’ll energize your mind and refresh your ability to carry on through troubling times. In his timely book, Ronald R. Parks, MPH, MD examines the impact of COVID-19 or other forms of crisis, loss, or tragedy on individual mental health. From his perspective as a Board-certified psychiatrist, a holistic healthcare consultant, and a caring, concerned teacher, He offers helpful insights and suggestions designed to empower those with ongoing emotional challenges and those who want to maintain optimum mental and physical health. Blending research, historical events, and his own life experience, Dr. Parks has created an easy-to-understand, practical guide to help readers not only to survive but to thrive during troubling times. The essential step is to identify early signs of emotional and psychological dysfunction or impending break-down. The book’s educative and guidance content stresses the value of holistic awareness and actions for both insight and inspiration. Readers will gain a clearer perspective of mental health issues that happen with the demands and unexpected changes or challenges that can occur to anyone. Many key elements play into our overall mental health and sense of wellbeing. Utilizing a multi-faceted approach, this book imparts valuable wisdom while covering essential topics related to mental health challenges, holistic medicine, psychology, spiritual awakening, meditation, and other tried and true self-help techniques. Important preventative and intervention tips are succinctly presented for your help. Most people are not just facing the Pandemic—many have experienced the personal loss of loved ones, worsening or the start of emotional or mental health challenges, addictions, trauma, and loss of purpose and meaning. Navigating so much hardship weighs heavily on our psyche, but this book reminds us that we can persevere and awaken to a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and the spirit of life. This book covers a diversity of topics related to mental and emotional health, surviving times of crisis as the current COVID pandemic, finding holistic ways of coping, surviving during times of exceptional challenges or catastrophic situations, and reducing disease risk during tough times. There’s no shame in getting help when you need support.

The physical effects of COVID-19 are felt globally. However, one issue that has not been sufficiently addressed is the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, citizens worldwide are enduring widespread lockdowns; children are out of school; and millions have lost their jobs, which has caused anxiety, depression, insomnia, and distress. Mental Health Effects of COVID-19 provides a comprehensive analysis of mental health problems resulting from COVID-19, including depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts, trauma, and PTSD. The book includes chapters detailing the impact of COVID-19 on the family’s well-being and society dynamics. The book concludes with an explanation on how meditation and online treatment methods can be used to combat the effects on mental health. Discusses family dynamics, domestic violence, and aggression due to COVID-19 Details the psychological impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents Includes key information on depression, anxiety, and suicide as a result of COVID-19