Japanese Town: Half the survivors of mega-earthquake, tsunami, have PTSD symptoms

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140306095526.htm


Issue: National


Summary: "A new study shows that more than half the survivors in one Japanese town exhibited 'clinically concerning' symptoms of PTSD following the country's mega-earthquake and tsunami. Two-thirds of survivors also reported symptoms of depression. Having work to do has proven important in increasing resilience." Because this earthquake was one of the worst of all time, (#4) it caused an unbelievable mess. From the natural disaster itself to the nuclear reactor, the people who endured this predicament underwent utter hell in a short amount of time. The trauma from this wreaked havoc on the town with an average age of 58; the elderly, rather than the young, returned to their ravaged land because it was what they were used to. Returning to such hardship is speculated to have caused the psychological conditions to become so widespread.


Opinion: Natural Disaster relief is a complicated process. Being a victim of natural disasters myself, I understand the horrifying impact they can have on families and on individuals. Hurricane Sandy almost tore my own family apart. It should be a #1 priority to psychologically assist these victims; they need even more help than they'll show.