Order Number |
63089687989 |
Type of Project |
ESSAY |
Writer Level |
PHD VERIFIED |
Format |
APA |
Academic Sources |
10 |
Page Count |
3-12 PAGES |
Characters and Skills Discussion
What qualities do you believe it needs to be a high-quality Disaster Mental Health Responder?
What kind of personality traits and talents do you think you’ll need?
When I do a self-assessment, the first image that comes to mind is of a person who is better at listening than talking. When this individual speaks, they avoid giving counsel or telling a different story of pain. The DMH responder’s ideal character attributes are comparable, if not identical, to those of all disaster responders: calm under pressure, flexibility, a skilled communicator, and experience-based knowledge (King et al., 2016). I assume that these skills are accompanied by additional characteristics such as a low ego and an ability to empathize easily.
The individual who excels in the job of DMH responder is likely dependable, follow through on their promises, and is willing to share with clearly stated boundaries on what is too personal. Patton, Smith, and Lilienfield (2017) published a study that reveals first responders had more character traits that overlap with psychopathy than the general public. First responders show a level of disinhibition and aggressiveness in putting themselves in a high-risk position, but clearly with the objective of prosocial results rather than psychopaths’ antisocial ends (Patton et al., 2017).
What kinds of personality qualities, if any, and even skill sets, can make it difficult to be effective?
I feel a lack of self-awareness would be a significant impediment for a DMH responder. As far as I can tell, the lack of introspection has two effects, the first of which distorts your view of your effectiveness. Survivors of Katrina and September 11th were questioned by Siems (2016), who discovered that those who felt themselves an authority, or someone who guided other people during the disaster, performed well on a test meant to identify persons who overestimate their abilities.
The second difficulty is that you, as a DMH responder, are just as prone to negative stimuli as anyone else. The macro-level of a disaster’s total aftermath, as well as the micro-level of seeking to create a therapeutic relationship with people under distress, are all stressors. Contact with survivors might make disaster responders feel distressed (Halpern & Tramontin, 2007). When compared to the overall population in the United States, first responders have a greater risk of depression and PTSD (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMSHA], 2018). Police, fire, and EMS are considered first responders by SAMSHA, but the military is not included (2018).
Consider what you would do if you were in this position. What characteristics or skills do you believe you have that might be useful in this situation? Or, what role do you think you’d be more suited for? Do you think there would be any areas of that role that would be particularly tough for you?
Working as a DMH responder would be a challenging experience for me. An ED RN’s reputation for being light and quick on their feet is well-deserved. In the event of a disaster, I would choose direct medical care above mental therapy. Internally, if I had things “to do” instead of listening, I would feel more valuable. I also believe I would have a hard time resisting the need to medicalize or explain away someone’s pain in some way.
My lack of experience working in a declared disaster would be the most difficult component of the job for me. I find it amusing to type that out because I worked and lived through Superstorm Sandy, but I just see it as an inconvenience. I’ve got the fear that I “don’t know what I don’t know” as a result of my reading, which puts me at risk of exaggerating my abilities.
The overall picture, in my opinion, mirrors Pfefferbaum et al. (2012), Halpern and Tramontin (2007), and SAMHSA (2018) in that the function of the DMH responder should be present at all levels of disaster response, regardless of whether the organization is local, state, federal, public, or private.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a federal agency that deals with substance abuse and mental (2018). Behavioral health issues, emergency response, and trauma for first responders [Supplementary Information]. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018.pdf (This is a link to another website.)
Wael is number two.
Responders and survivors of catastrophes can receive stress management, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services such as therapy and counseling through disaster mental health. Effective disaster mental health responders are specialists who can provide such services by guiding and supporting survivors emotionally (Halpern & Vermeulen, 2017). As a result, the expert should validate the survivors’ coping abilities and health before proceeding. As a result, survivors are seen as capable individuals who can realign their lives with the support of respect, understanding, and compassion.
the first question
The skills and information acquired during catastrophe training are not the only qualities required of disaster responders. Catastrophe/command knowledge, on the other hand, is critical for ensuring flexibility and adaptability in a variety of disaster circumstances. It is critical to have the proper training to respond to a sudden disaster since it ensures immediate assistance and response without panic. It also aids individuals in remaining cool, calm, and collected under duress, making it easier to assist the survivors. Because diverse obstacles arise when assisting survivors, decision-making and problem-solving skills are highly essential (Halpern & Vermeulen, 2017). Others may be severely traumatized, therefore responders must be able to make quick decisions and address problems before the situation gets out of hand.
Furthermore, excellent communication skills are required to assist responders and survivors in effectively communicating during treatment, counseling, or casual discussions. This aids in the development of a deeper understanding of the individual and situation, making it easier to administer the most appropriate treatment. Last but not least, personal character is critical since it reflects attitudes toward problems and activities. As a result, having a positive personality can help you accomplish greater goals and assist disaster survivors.
2nd question
There are some negative abilities and personality qualities that can make catastrophe response more difficult. For starters, a pessimistic mindset can lead to frustration and failure (King et al., 2019). When working with survivors, it’s easy to spot negative energy, which prevents them from opening up and accepting the help they need. Fear and a lack of self-control are also negative attributes that can lead to anxiety, which can stymie achievement and limit the goals and objectives set. It’s difficult to do anything when responders are terrified when confronted with a disaster situation. Finally, because disaster response abilities such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are highly necessary when reacting to situations, a lack of effective disaster response skills may stymie success.
Question three
Because of my ability to work under pressure, make smart decisions, and operate as part of a team, I would be useful as a disaster mental health responder. Collaboration is beneficial to success since diverse people have different perspectives that might be useful in disasters. Teamwork also promotes learning and creativity, as well as bringing together complementary skills, building trust, and encouraging healthy risk-taking (King et al., 2019).
However, the most difficult component of this duty for me would be remaining fearless and bold enough to assist survivors. I am readily moved by seeing people suffer, and the situation may be emotional, making it difficult to provide good assistance to the survivors. As a result, I’d need extra catastrophe training to help me face any scenario with confidence and fearlessness.
I’m not surprised by any of my classmates’ reactions because most of them are aware of disaster response needs as well as the necessary abilities and qualities to deal with such situations. Furthermore, all of the aforementioned character characteristics and skills are absolutely vital and required for this role.
References
Mike is number three.
The perfect Mental Health Disaster Recovery res