Mental health challenges and experiences in displaced populations following Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Harvey: the need for more comprehensive interventions in temporary shelters

J Epidemiol Community Health. 2018 Oct;72(10):867-870. doi: 10.1136/jech-2018-210626. Epub 2018 Apr 29.

Abstract

Hurricane exposure can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to increased symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder that are still present years after the storm. Those displaced following a hurricane are particularly vulnerable to adverse mental health outcomes, especially if displaced to temporary shelters. The current work highlights the experiences and mental health challenges of displaced populations following Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Harvey, as well as describing barriers to conducting research in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the need for more comprehensive interventions in these vulnerable populations.

Keywords: disaster relief; environmental epidemiology; mental health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cyclonic Storms*
  • Emergency Shelter*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health*
  • Natural Disasters
  • Research
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Vulnerable Populations / psychology*