Controlling for Post-disaster Stress

More than 35 individuals have volunteered their time to train as peer counsellors for the Community-based Peer Support Groups, scheduled to launch in January 2005.

A pleased Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health Services, Mrs. Diane Montoya, explained that several school teachers, service club members, ministers and others from across the island will be training for 16 hours this weekend. “The course will prepare them to facilitate support groups in their own districts,” she said.

These peer groups are intended to offer emotional and social support to those who are stressed, by providing information, education and stress management skills, as well as a forum for participants to discuss ways of solving problems and share strategies for coping.

Plans are in place for at least three Community- Based Peer Support Groups to operate in every district. Each group will consist of 15 residents and two trained peer counselors who will meet once weekly for two hours, during a six week period. Every session will include an educational component or module lasting approximately 30 minutes, with the remaining time being open for discussion, debriefing and problem solving.

The modules planned are as follows:

• Meeting 1: The Effects of Stress on the Body and Mind: (The Stress Pressure Cooker)
• Meeting 2: Treating the Body: Progressive Deep Muscle Relaxation Training
• Meeting 3: Treating the Emotions: Addressing Irrational Thoughts and Calming the Mind
• Meeting 4: How Families Can Help Themselves Deal with Stress
• Meeting 5: We’re All in This Together: Social Support to Reduce Stress
• Meeting 6: Future View: Lessons Learned from Ivan.

Anyone interested in participating in the support group can fill out a form at the Disaster Assistance Centre or public health clinic in their district. A public health nurse or community mental health nurse will contact each individual to determine if they are best suited for the support group or might benefit more from individual counseling.

Hurricane Recovery Helpline

A co-operative effort by government officials and non-government organisations has introduced the Hurricane Recovery Helpline, a telephone-based service that will provide counselling and information to callers who are stressed and need immediate help.

National Drug Council staff and other trained counselors will answer the calls at 1-800-534-3784 and will be on hand to take calls daily between 6 and 10pm. “We are committed to extending the times and adding personnel if the demand for this type of service increases,” said Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Services, Agriculture, Aviation and Works, Diane Montoya. Coordinator Catherine Chesnut noted: “The helpline is one aspect of government’s commitment to assist with post-Ivan community needs. Much pressure has been placed on people to put their homes, jobs and families in order and that has often led to an increase in stress in households. Calling the helpline may be the first step a person takes to move forward in their personal recovery.”

Help Is Available

Here are some resources for families, individuals, couples and children seeking help to deal with stress and other issues.

Counsellors

Adults: Contact Mental Health Outpatient Services on 244-2650; Dr. Clement Von Kirchenheim on 244-2726; Kathryn Dinspel- Powell on 325-5245/325-5244; or the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) on 949-9559, to make an appointment. Children: Contact Dr. Antonia Hawkins at the Cayman Islands Hospital on 244-2650/244-2668.

Department of Children and Family Services: George Town (Mirco Centre): 925-5345/925-5346 West Bay (Old Sunrise Centre): 925-5348 Bodden Town (includes East End, North Side and Bodden Town districts) Bright Dayze Plaza: 925-