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Aid Worker Wellbeing REFERENCES 1. The Aid Worker Security Database (2017). Major aacks on aid workers: Summary Stascs (2006-2016). hps://aidworkersecurity.org/incidents/report/summary 2. Cardozo, B., Crawford, C., Eriksson, C., Zhu, J., Sabin, M., et al (2012). Psychological Distress, Depression, Anxiety, and Burnout among Internaonal Humanitarian Aid Workers: A Longitudinal Study. Plos One, 7 (9), 1-13. 3. Connorton, E., Perry, M., Hemenway, D & Miller, M. (2012). Humanitarian Relief Workers and Trauma-related Mental Illness. Epidemiologic Review, 34, 145-155. 4. Young, Holly (2015). Guardian research suggests mental health crisis among aid workers. The Guardian. 23 November. 5. Phelps, A., Lloyd, D., Creamer, M. & Forbes, D. (2009). Caring for Carers in the Aftermath of Trauma. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 18(3), 313-330. 6. Burton, N., Pakenham, K. & Brown, W. (2010). Feasibility and effectiveness of psychosocial resilience training: a pilot study of the READY program. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 15(3): 266-277. 7. Brooks, S., Dunn, R., Sage, C., Amlot, R., Greenberg, N., et al (2015). Risk and resilience factors affecting the psychological wellbeing of individuals deployed in humanitarian relief roles after a disaster. Journal of Mental Health, 24(6): 385-413. 79 % 85 % 101 Humanitarian work can be dangerous The number of aid workers killed in 2016 alone. 98 were injured and 89 were kidnapped. 1 Naonal staff are most affected Percentage of 2016 vicms who were naonal staff. 1 With global complex emergencies and humanitarian crises rising, relief workers are increasingly and connually exposed to trauma, both primary involving direct dangers to workers and secondary through exposure to others’ suffering. 3 The psychological impact can be high “ Research has found that humanitarian aid workers are at increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, burnout and PTSD. 2,3 ” Percentage of aid workers who have self-reported experiencing mental health issues. 4 Protecve factors: what can help Strong social support networks Team spirit and camaraderie Clear role definion and organisaonal support for that role Resilience Resilience Resilience involves the “resourceful ability to bounce back from challenges through feelings of control, commitment, and the ability to view change as a challenge” 5 . Having a sense of meaning or purpose, focusing on posive emoons, developing acve coping skills, and a flexible approach to problem solving are all factors that can help enable resilience. 6 Aid organisaons can help by proacvely strengthening support and relaonships between team members and managers. 7 www.mandalastaffsupport.org +61 3 9005 0808 | mandala@mandalastaffsupport.org Staff support specialists for the aid and development sector Mandala Staff Support
