Trauma Among Survivors of Hurricane Katrina: Considerations and Recommendations for Mental Health Care

Many individuals who have experienced natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina become traumatized. Emotional responses to traumatic events range from nonspecific psychological distress to posttraumatic stress disorder. These conditions should be treated to improve the chances of recovery among survivors. The purpose of this article is to outline the initial steps for effectively engaging individuals who survive disasters in mental health care with an emphasis on Katrina. These steps include (a) appropriate reactions to the survivors' stories and experiences, (b) identifying and interpreting the emotions of Katrina survivors, (c) distinguishing appropriate stress reactions from mental illness, and (d) transforming traumatic experiences into a positive growth experience. Discussion with Katrina survivors about compound trauma, for those who experience it, is essential for movement toward more thoughtful and deliberate plans for healthy living in the future.