How does the Red Cross support mental health during disasters?

The Red Cross supports mental health during disasters primarily by offering psychological first aid. This approach is designed to help individuals cope with the immediate stressors and emotional challenges they face following a disaster. Psychological first aid focuses on providing comfort, assessment of needs, and connecting individuals to resources, thereby addressing their psychological and emotional wellbeing in a compassionate and supportive manner.

This method is vital during emergencies because it equips trained personnel with the skills to respond to people experiencing acute distress. This can greatly alleviate feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness. While other options, such as providing therapy or administering medication, may be vital in therapeutic contexts, they do not align with the immediate and practical objectives of Red Cross interventions during crises. The focus is on quick, accessible, and effective support that can be initiated soon after a disaster strikes, making psychological first aid the most appropriate and impactful response in this scenario.