Puerto Rico's Mental Health Crisis in an American Disaster
"Our hometown is more than almost 60 days without electricity. And personally, I was not willing to cope with that, emotionally. I was going insane." - Gina Dacosta, Midwife in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is experiencing one of the longest power outage in United States history. With the power outage, 1 in 4 people develop a diagnosable mental disorder. Disaster and mental health experts are showing growing concerns on the situation in Puerto Rico if power and infrastructure are not restored.
Inside a Suicide Prevention Center in Puerto Rico | Times Documentary
"I have staff members who lost everything"
After Hurricane Maria and Irma, many Puerto Ricans were left without power and thoughts of suicide spiked. In Línea PAS, the only suicide prevention center, there is an increase of calls since the disaster. With only 12 crisis counselor, they try to calm the callers while they deal with their own lose of electricity, water, and home.
Puerto Rico's Mental Health Crisis a Consequence of Hurricane Maria
"Today they're still receiving 600 calls a day, and the suicide rate is about 20 percent higher than it was the year before"
After a year of Hurricane Maria people are still living in poor conditions. Many are trying to rebuild their homes. People are suffering from depression, suicide and PTSD. Mental health programs are being offered by the U.S. Military Medical Mission and other non-profit organizations.
- CBC News: The National, Puerto Rico's health crisis a consequence of Hurricane Maria, Sep 17, 2018.
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