New UN-Backed Guidelines Issued to Tackle Mental Health Problems in Conflicts, Disasters
Printer-friendly versionUnited Nations and other international humanitarian agencies have agreed on a new set of guidelines to address the mental health and psychosocial needs of survivors in response to emergencies such as conflicts or disasters, identifying useful practices and flagging potentially harmful ones.
With a clear focus on social interventions and support, they emphasize the importance of building on local resources such as teachers, health workers, healers, and women's groups to promote psychosocial well-being, and include ways to protect and care for people with severe trauma-induced mental disorders and provide psychological first aid for those in acute distress.
The Canadian Women's Health Network and the Centres of Excellence for Women's Health program are financially supported by Health Canada through the Women's Health Contribution Program. The views herein do not necessarily represent the official policy of Health Canada.