Unraveling Mental Health Issues and Psychosocial Support Post-disaster in Central Sulawesi
摘要
This chapter examines mental health issues and psychosocial support in the post-disaster context of Central Sulawesi. Despite 5 years since the series of cascading disasters occurred, various challenges related to rehabilitation and reconstruction persist. One of the emerging issues that have not been widely discussed is mental health and post-disaster trauma among survivors. Before the disaster on 28 September 2018, mental health concerns were not extensively addressed by the Central Sulawesi community, largely due to societal stigmas. However, the recovery of mental health among survivors is a crucial aspect of post-disaster rehabilitation, alongside physical infrastructure development and economic recovery. Moreover, the survivors must confront additional systemic risks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The complexity of the disasters profoundly affected the mental well-being of the population. Hence, this chapter attempts to understand the impact of the disaster on mental health outcomes including its challenges. It also investigates the psychosocial support aspect, focusing on the influence of social networks, social cohesion, and social trust on individual and collective well-being in the aftermath of the disaster. This paper employs a qualitative method with a case study approach to elaborate on the current mental health challenges and post-disaster trauma among survivors in Palu City and Sigi Regency. The key findings indicate an escalation of mental health disorders from mild to severe symptoms, such as suicide incidents in the temporary shelters. Various initiatives from the government, non-government organizations, and the community have been implemented to establish community-based psychosocial support. However, the shortage of clinical psychologists and the negative stigma surrounding mental health make the community reluctant to address mental health issues. The study underscores the importance of implementing psychosocial support programs, engaging the community, and integrating mental health services within the broader disaster response and recovery framework.