Disaster Psychosocial Project

Disaster psychosocial support is based on the assumption that no one who sees a disaster is untouched by it. Disaster stress, trauma and loss are experienced at both the individual and the collective levels, and stress and grief reactions are normal responses to crisis and loss, both for survivors and responders. The physical effects such as loss of a loved one, loss of home and employment, pain and physical disability, are usually obvious. Short-term emotional effects, such as fear, acute anxiety, feelings of numbness or grief are very common. For the most part these responses fade with time, but there may be long term emotional effects that do not fade. The emotional effects of a disaster may show up immediately or appear months later. Providing a range of psychosocial responses in support of, and in consultation with, survivors can alleviate stress and promote resilience and self reliance.

The Disaster Psychosocial Project works collaboratively to produce a comprehensive psychosocial response plan for individuals, families and responders in the event of a disaster in British Columbia. It is developing the resources and capability, with best practices in mind, to provide a full range of psychosocial services.

Disaster Stress & Trauma Response Services (DSTRS) is a voluntary response group made up of registered professional clinicians; including clinical counsellors, psychologists, and social workers. The number of volunteers involved in DSTRS is approximately 1,000 and the service has been activated roughly 12 times since 2001.