It has been months after the country was crippled by the devastating onslaught of Ondoy and Pepeng, yet many Filipinos are still feeling the consequences of these typhoons. These consequences are not only physical as having lost a house, but also psychological which is more alarming as it can lead to mental disorders if not prevented.
However, it is not only the victims who experience this kind of dysfunction. Most of the time, workers and rescuers experience the same thing as they witness the suffering of other people coupled by the stresses of their work. These feelings, when all mixed up, causes feeling of depression.
To give a solution to this problem, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Social Services department conducts psychosocial support to the victims to avoid post-traumatic disorder triggered by their experience.
"This psychosocial support responds to the psychosocial and physical needs of the affected population that includes volunteers and staff of Red Cross movement," according to PNRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang.
Zenaida Paez-Beltejar, Manager of the Social Services Department also explained that the support program aims to assist affected communities in their collective recovery.
"This recovery means regaining a sense of normality, restoring hope, dignity, mental and social being, and attaining a stable life and integrated functioning," she added.
The PNRC focuses on community-based psychosocial support as it facilitates resilience within individuals, families, and communities.
"This is one of the crucial problems that needs to be addressed at this times," Pang said.
"It's easier to rebuild homes than to restore the social and mental well-being of the people," she added.
As of October 20, a total of 4, 184 people have been given psychosocial support by the Red Cross, including its rescuers and staff.
