PAST PROJECT
This project has reduced the risk of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through grief counseling in Isinomaki City, Japan. It also created awareness amongst the public on how to identify potential metal health problems.

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

Isinomaki city, Miyagi prefecture, is an area in northeastern Japan that faced the brunt of the tsunami which, in some places, scarred a path six miles inland, wiping out everything. The primary industry here was agriculture and fishing, both of which were wiped out after the tsunami struck. Thousands of survivors in Ishinomaki remain in shelters and temporary accommodations, and they are dealing with post traumatic stress, exhaustion and depression. Over time this could lead to clinical depression.

Concerns about the possibility of survivors turning to extreme measures such as suicide is based partly on Japan's overall suicide rate, which according to the World Health Organization is the highest among developed nations. Suicides in May for the whole nation were 20 per cent higher than a year before, according to National Police Agency figures, and experts believe the total for 2011 could surpass 30,000 for the 14th straight year. A recently published government white paper on suicide prevention supports these views, and adds that survivors may feel extreme guilt for escaping death while other family members perished. The report concludes that long-term mental health care and screenings for survivors are essential.

Therefore, IDRF and SHINE Humanity worked together to help reduce the rate of current and future PTSD, depression and other mental health issues. This was done through training and educating the general public and healthcare providers on identifying and treating mental health issues; and identifying and treating patients using culturally and time-sensitive evidence-based techniques in group and individual settings to impact mental health issues and overall well-being.

PLANNED ACTIVITIES:

• Recruited mental health professionals (licensed and experienced clinicians) from U.S. and Japan and sending them as relief workers to Ishinomaki City.
  
• Pre-deployment training and continuous on-line supervision for these professionals in order to help them work effectively at the affected area.
  
• Co-ordinated placements for these professionals while collaborated with local agencies to conduct center-based and outreach services.
  
• Implemented a support group system by utilizing peers, professionals and leaders in the community.
  
• Designed and developed a public education campaign along with professional training to empower the community to care for its own mental health needs (e.g. educational videos and face to face seminars for victims and disaster workers)
  
• Group counseling setting services included group therapy (direct mental health service) as well as psycho-education.
• Limited home visits provided psychiatric assessment and individual care.

PROJECT BENEFICIARIES:

The project provided direct mental health services to survivors of the earthquake and tsunami including disaster workers who assisted these survivors. Potential clients were referred to the service through the partnering primary care provider and local non profits. In addition to direct services, the project also delivered training to primary care providers/community organizers/grassroots leaders on identifying and treating mental health conditions, while developing training materials and on-line support for those who stepped in to provide services after project completion.

50 per cent of the beneficiaries received direct services (in the way of evidence-based practice techniques including body touch, art therapy, physical relaxation, etc.). The remaining 50 per cent of the beneficiaries were trained to take on the role of facilitators after the project completion.

This project, by its very nature, mainly targeted men and women affected by the disaster. In some situations, the trained counsellors also worked with children who were referred to them with presenting conditions.

Partner: Sustainable Healthcare Initiatives Now Empowering (SHINE) Humanity