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Volume 3 Issue 187 Published - 14:00 UTC 08:00 EST 10-Oct-2001 Next Update - 14:00 UTC 08:00 EST 11-Oct-2001
| Editor: Susan K. Boyer, RN © RAmEx Ars Medica, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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 Work Called Key Influence On Mental Health After Attacks
The environment in the workplace plays a key role in mental health, especially in the current climate in which many people face additional stress as a result of terrorist attacks on the United States, according to mental health experts at the Pan American Health Organization. For World Mental Health Day, which is observed every October 10th, Dr. José Miguel Caldas de Almeida, coordinator of PAHO's Program on Mental Health, noted that work "can have a significant influence on mental health and well being," adding that in some cases, "work can also be a cause of stress and mental disorders" when there are poor working conditions, work overload, poor communication with superiors and colleagues, role conflict and role ambiguity." The Pan American Health Organization is observing World Mental Health Day in conjunction with the organization's Staff Assistance Service, which offers counseling and works closely with employees through the Staff Association. A panel of experts is slated to discuss mental health and work, including Dr. George Alleyne, Director of PAHO, Dr. Eugene Brody and Dr. Paulo Alterwain of the World Federation of Mental Health, Suzanne Reynolds of Sheppard Pratt Health, and Virginia Huici, Rosane Losada-Radley and Dr. Caldas de Almeida. The World Mental Health Day campaign was launched in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health - a group with members across the globe who work to draw attention to the world's mental health needs and aim to raise awareness of mental health concerns and combat stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health issues. Today, the issue is especially important because terrorist attacks, armed conflict and other catastrophes strain people's abilities to cope, understand and respond, and have major impacts on affected persons' health and psychosocial functioning, according to Dr. Caldas de Almeida. He said it is important to acknowledge that most people exposed to such events, even as remote observers, are affected by the tragedy. "The vast majority of reactions are in the normal range and the intensity will diminish for most people over time without the need for professional help. There may be temporary disruptions in normal coping mechanisms for many people and some may go on to develop problems with sleep, nightmares, concentration, intrusive thoughts and a preoccupation with reliving the events. These reactions are generally short lived but if they persist, professional consultation should be sought," said Dr. Caldas de Almeida. Among the things that can be done to help, he said, are to create opportunities for people to talk and share experiences in supportive groups, in familiar surroundings such as religious places, schools or community centers as well as in the workplace. Special groups such as children, those who have been most intensely exposed or have a history of previous exposure to trauma, rescue workers, and people with pre existing mental health conditions have special needs for support. Support from family and friends is critical, he noted. Some people may suffer serious and prolonged reactions. World Mental Health Day, Dr. Caldas de Almeida said, "is an opportunity to reflect more seriously on how our own work environment affects our mental health and our responsibility to improve mental health in the workplace, which depends on us all." |
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