Hi, I concur with you take on the important characteristics that a disaster mental health responder should possess. The expert addresses the psychosocial needs of individuals during hazards. The requirements of victims are different based on the crisis; hence, the disaster mental health responder must be committed to performing his role and observe flexibility. The skills and knowledge of the professional should guide him or her in creating personal relationships with the victims to help them in the recovery procedure (North & Pfefferbaum, 2013). The willingness and flexibility to pursue the professional tasks require a level of calmness and adequate vigor to do whatever it takes in the job.
Hi, the traits that a disaster mental health responder should have are very many as you have highlighted in the response. A hazard entails an incident that presents physical injury, social disruptions, or various types of victims that demands action. The urgency of the disaster can thus not depend on one specific characteristic to aid the psychosocial needs of victims (West, Schreiber, Benedek & Reissman, 2016). With time and experience, I believe that you will grasp all the essential traits of the profession to enhance your effectiveness in helping others to overcome grief or loss. It is also fundamental to avoid the behaviors that may limit people from opening up to you as a disaster mental health provider such as aggression, inconsistency, and lack of empathy.
Hi, a strong character is useful but I believe it is not the most important trait of a disaster mental health provider. The victims of a hazard are usually at their lowest points; hence, the professional must first survey the appropriate response that will suit each person. Otherwise, if you come out as too strong, it may appear standoffish or frighten the victims such that they fail to open up in their fragile states. However, the temperament skill is essential in disaster mental health response since it focuses on listening to the individuals without interrupting or making unnecessary remarks. Temperament portrays the essence of good communication skills in disaster mental health response (King, Burkle Jr, Walsh & North, 2015). It is also important to understand the extent of one’s skills depending on the situation just as you point out that when the disaster gets too tough you allow others to offer assistance.
References
King, R. V., Burkle Jr, F. M., Walsh, L. E., & North, C. S. (2015). Competencies for disaster mental health. Current psychiatry reports, 17(3), 1-9.
North, C. S., & Pfefferbaum, B. (2013). Mental health response to community disasters: a systematic review. Jama, 310(5), 507-518.
West, J. C., Schreiber, M. D., Benedek, D., & Reissman, D. B. (2016). Disaster Behavioral Health. Koenig and Schultz's Disaster Medicine: Comprehensive Principles and Practices, 124.
