In the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, the victims developed anger occasioned by the loss they suffered and worsened by the feeling that the disaster deprived them of control over their lives (Mauro, 1992). Given the hurricane had no personality, face, or identity, they had nowhere to direct their anger. As such, they resorted to attack-self response to cope with the situation, what the author describes as "anger turned inwards." Eventually, the victims of Hurricane Andrew experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression (Mauro, 1992). This observation agrees with Lamia (2019), who asserts that the attack-self coping response leads to depression.
Lamia (2019) defines PTSD as a mental health condition triggered by either witnessing or experiencing a traumatic (shocking, scary, or dangerous) event. Its symptoms include intense fear and phobic reactions, as was evident in the victims when the author says they saw "Andrew as a real person and feared he would come back" (Mauro, 1992). Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, bad dreams, flashbacks, and frightening thoughts/visual or mental triggers. The other mental symptom the victims experienced is depression. It is a mood disorder that influences one's feelings and responses to daily activities (The National Institute of Mental Health, 2018). Most of its symptoms are similar to those of PTSD, such as a feeling of guilt and fear, interrupted sleep, frightening and suicidal thoughts.
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I believe the recommendations noted were helpful and appropriate. Directing early relief efforts to the victims and engaging them in collective self-help activities as part of the recommendations was the best approach in restoring order and helping the victims regain control over their lives. Part of the proposals aimed to prepare the victims psychologically of what to expect in the short term and long run in the aftermath of the disaster. Such an approach is best in helping the victims to know the situation. Just as the author stated, acknowledging the case was significant in assisting them in handling it the best way possible.
References
Lamia, M. C. (2019, June 29). The perplexing notion of depression as "Anger turned inward." Psychology Today . https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/intense-emotions-and-strong-feelings/201906/the-perplexing-notion-depression-anger-turned
The National Institute of Mental Health. (2018, February). Depression . NIMH. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
Mauro, J. (1992). Hurricane Andrew's other legacy. Psychology Today , 25 (6), 42-46.
