Caribbean Struggles with Mental Aftermath of Hurricanes

In Dominica, UNICEF is helping children cope with the devastation of Hurricane Maria through play activities and storytelling - Jacqueline Charles

miamiherald.com - by Harika Rayala and Jacqueline Charles - October 17, 2017

 . . . Recognizing that the trauma from Irma and Maria’s one-two punch is creating a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness among survivors, shelter managers and mental health experts in Antigua and Dominica are on a mission to help people cope with the stress and anxiety. But in a region where mental health awareness is just gaining traction, giving that sort of support isn’t easy.

“If we don’t deal with the mental health issue, the psychological first aid … than we are in trouble,” said Wendel De Leon, a behavioral therapist who recently led a team of therapists from Trinidad and Tobago into Dominica.

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