Psychologist: Rural residents more resilient in facing disasters
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Clinical psychologist and Health Reserve Team (TCK) volunteer from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Anna Aulia, has identified differences in psychological resilience between rural and urban residents whilst handling the aftermath of flooding in Aceh Tamiang.
“In villages, they focus on how to survive again. If their house is gone, they say they will rebuild and find work again,” she said in an exclusive interview with ANTARA at the Antara Heritage Centre in Central Jakarta on Friday (20/2).
During her assignment supporting survivors across several sub-districts, Anna observed that residents in remote rural areas tended to accept post-disaster conditions more quickly compared to those living in urban centres.
Conversely, residents living in more developed areas were assessed as being more emotionally shaken. The loss of assets, businesses and employment made the psychological recovery process considerably longer.
“This difference relates to one’s perspective on loss,” Anna said.
Rural residents accustomed to living with limited resources were found to adapt more quickly when losing material possessions.
Nevertheless, she emphasised that each individual has a different response to disasters. The magnitude of impact is determined not only by location but also by the experience of loss and the social support available.
During fieldwork, volunteers conducted initial screening to identify survivors showing indications of severe trauma.
The approach involved trauma recovery and psychosocial services to help them reconnect with their surrounding environment.
According to Anna, psychological recovery requires time and cannot happen instantaneously.
“The most important thing is that they feel they are not alone and continue to have support from their community,” she said.
The deployment of TCK volunteers in Aceh is part of a government programme through the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia to strengthen post-flood healthcare services in Aceh.
The Ministry of Health deployed the TCK to ensure healthcare services continue to operate, including mental health support for affected communities.