THE Department of Health (DOH) is on alert over the possibility of Filipinos developing fatigue or burnout due to the successive devastations caused by several typhoons and tropical storms in recent weeks.
In a radio interview, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo yesterday said it is a real possibility for Filipinos, both the victims and emergency responders, to develop anxiety due to the series of calamities that have hit the country.
“We know that there is a lot of need for mental health in evacuation centers. There is depression and other mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” said Domingo.
“And having this typhoon fatigue is not just for the evacuees, but also our rescuers. This series of typhoons can also affect the spirits of our responders,” he added.
Domingo said such anxieties may come when fear develops even when there is no typhoon but there is lightning or thunder.
Another cause of depression, he said, is the constant effort to recover after being faced with repeated devastations.
Domingo said it is also possible to experience anxiety over the fear of not having necessities, especially in evacuation centers.
As for rescuers, he said it is also possible for them to get burned out mentally despite having the physical capacity to respond to emergencies.
He said this is why the DOH is putting a premium on providing mental health interventions in evacuation centers.
“We must be ready to provide psychological first aid, wherein our field workers should talk to the evacuees and ask them how they are doing, instead of just giving relief packs,” said Domingo.
He said even first aid responders must be provided with psychosocial intervention.
“We have to process our responders and we are doing that. We will definitely keep track of those experiencing typhoon fatigue,” said Domingo.
Since last month, the Philippines has been hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Super Typhoon Leon, Typhoon Marce, and Typhoon Nika.
