Topic 7: Preparing for departure
Managing Culture Shock and Stress
Recently deployed personnel may experience two different, but interrelated, types of stress. The first is culture shock, which comes from suddenly being placed in a strange foreign environment. The second is the emotional and physical impact that often comes from being immersed in a disaster.
Between arriving in-country and reaching the disaster site, personnel may experience classic culture shock. As a foreigner you may be frustrated because of an inability to communicate with the local population and anxiety and frustration may erode your customary level of self-confidence.
You should expect to be disoriented and confused and realise that this is natural and often happens to others in similar situations. Patience, realistic expectations of an ability to make a difference, and a sense of humour are good coping strategies in these circumstances. You should not expect the affected country and the victims to change their ways of doing things to accommodate relief workers.
No one who sees a major disaster remains emotionally untouched by it. Typical reactions are feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and that there is simply too much suffering and relatively little impact one person can have. The combined effects of cultural and job stress make a person vulnerable to physical and emotional exhaustion.
Some people refer to this as “burnout.” It can happen to anyone. The disaster-related stress caused by these factors is often referred to as critical-incident stress. A critical incident is any incident so unusually stressful to an individual as to cause an immediate or delayed emotional reaction that surpasses available coping mechanisms. The effects of critical incidents can include profound behavioural changes that may occur immediately or may be delayed for months or years.
Staff affected by stress during disaster operations may experience physical symptoms associated with stress, such as headaches, upset stomach, diarrhoea, poor concentration, and feelings of irritability and restlessness. They may become tired of the disaster and prefer not to talk about it, think about it, or even associate with co-workers during time off. They may become tired of continual interaction with victims and may want to isolate themselves during time off. They may have feelings of frustration or guilt because they miss their families and are unavailable to their families both physically and emotionally due to their psychological involvement in the disaster, fatigue, and so forth. They may feel frustrated with family and friends when they are able to contact them because of feelings that family and friends simply cannot understand the disaster experience. If family and friends become irritated it can compound the problem, and temporary isolation and estrangement may occur.
Here are some ways to minimise stress during a disaster operation: As much as possible, living accommodations should be personal and comfortable. Mementos from home may help disaster workers to keep in touch psychologically. Regular exercise consistent with present physical condition and relaxation with some activity away from the disaster scene may help. Getting enough sleep and trying to eat regular meals, even if not hungry, will help. Workers should avoid foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium, such as donuts and fast foods. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements may help the body to continue to get the nutrients it needs. Excessive use of alcohol and coffee should be avoided. Caffeine is a stimulant and should be used in moderation as it affects the nervous system, making relief workers nervous and edgy. Although relief workers need time alone on long disaster operations, they should also spend time with co-workers. Both experienced and new relief workers should spend rest time away from the disaster scene. Talking about normal things (home, friends, family, hobbies, and so on) other than the disaster is a healthy change of pace. Humour helps ease the tension, however use it carefully as victims or co-workers can take things personally, resulting in hurt feelings if they are the brunt of “disaster humour.” When on the job, it is important for relief workers to take breaks during the day, especially if they find themselves making mistakes or unable to concentrate. Stay in touch with family back home as communication helps prevent the sense of being strangers upon return after the disaster.
References
The information presented in this Topic has been informed by the following sources:
UNV Handbook: A Supplementary Field Manual for UN Volunteers, http://www.unv.org/en/how-to-volunteer/cos.htm
OCHA Orientation Handbook on Complex Emergencies, http://reliefweb.int/node/21394
United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Handbook, http://www.unocha.org/what-we-do/coordination-tools/undac/overview
Preparing for your departure to the crisis-affected country. World Health Organisation Field Operations Guide for Disaster Assessment and Response, USAID, http://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/tools/manuals/who_field_handbook/g2.pdf