Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (PRWEB) January 27, 2015 -- It’s something no community wants to think about, but terrorist attacks can happen anywhere and to any community. No one is insulated against these seemingly random attacks. Recent events in Paris underscore the importance of preparing not only to prevent and limit the damage of such attacks, but also of preparing to handle the mental health crisis which may emerge after such traumatic incidents.
“We can’t predict how an individual or community might react to a traumatic incident,” said Ben Brafman, behavioral health expert and founder of the Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which provides mental health treatment to individuals and families. “Some individuals have higher risk factors than others for depression, anxiety and PTSD, which are common after a traumatic event, but the fact remains that dealing with trauma may be one of the most difficult things for a person to cope with.”
Community mental health services, such as providing trauma counselors, providing access to mental health treatment and facilities and having opportunities for community members to come together to discuss events are important in overcoming trauma and coping with loss.
Brafman and his team of professional mental health providers put together a list of tips for communities to consider when preparing to cope with the mental health needs of its citizens.
Suggestions for Community Mental Health Treatment
Increase Access to Mental Health Professionals
It is important that mental health professionals, such as counselors and therapists be accessible to the general public in the aftermath of a traumatic community event. Communities may consider holding group therapy or offering community services to key segments of the population most affected (survivors, their families, or communities targeted by such attacks).
Provide access to emergency mental health treatment for children
The brains of children are immature and they may have an especially difficult time coping with trauma or violence in their community or country. It is critical that communities provide access to emergency mental health treatment for children and families. We know that stress and anxiety take their toll on children as well as adults.
Take care of public safety officers
Communities are protected by their police, fire, military and paramedic services, but we know that the aftermath of trauma can have a lasting impact on these individuals as well. Specialized career specific mental health treatment should be available to first responders as well as their families, many of whom may be direct victim’s themselves.
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The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center is a full service mental health facility located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Dedicated to helping individuals who suffer from mental illness find a path to living better, The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center offers a mental health program and support for a wide variety of mood and thought disorders including: depression, anxiety disorders, anger management, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. For more information on mental health treatment please contact The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center at 1-888-205-2775 or online at http://www.mentalhealthcenter.org.
Alton Smith, Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center, http://www.mentalhealthcenter.org, +1 888-205-2775, [email protected]
SOURCE Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center
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