Helping Out in Haiti

With my flight tickets now confirmed I fly out from UK next Wednesday for Haiti via the Dominican Republic for a month´s voluntary work.

My new-found friends from HODR offer this rather chilling advise to their Aid Volunteers.

Psychological/Emotional Difficulties

As a first responder or relief worker, you may encounter extremely stressful situations, such as witnessing a tremendous loss of life, serious injuries, missing and separated families, and destruction of whole areas. It is important to recognize that these experiences may cause you psychological or emotional difficulties.

Some Common Normal Reactions to a Disaster

• Profound sadness, grief, and anger.
• Not wanting to leave the scene until the work is finished.
• Trying to override stress and fatigue with dedication and commitment.
• Denying the need for rest and recovery time.

Ways to Help Manage Your Stress

• Limit on-duty work time to no more than 12 hours per day.
• Rotate work assignments between high stress and lower stress functions.
• Drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks and energy foods.
• Take frequent, brief breaks from the scene when you are able.
• Keep an object of comfort with you such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material.
• Stay in touch with family and friends.
• Pair up with another responder so that you can monitor one another’s stress.

After You Come Home

If you are not feeling well, you should see your doctor and mention that you have recently returned from response and relief work in Haiti. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Symptoms of malaria can develop up to one year after travel, so be alert for fever or flu-like symptoms.
Approximately one-third of aid workers report depression shortly after returning home, and more than half of returned aid workers have reported feeling predominantly negative emotions on returning home, even though many reported that their time overseas was positive and fulfilling. You might want to see a mental health professional to help you adjust back into your home environment.

A holiday this is not. Fortunately, knowing that all my affairs are in order, i am vaccinated against pretty much everything and i have the love and support of my Guardian Angel, i go with confidence, optimism and enthusiasm.