Amidst the genetic and chemical imbalance causes of depression exists another cause, a cause that is hitting close to home for the many residents of the Gulf Coast that have been devastated by the BP oil spill. Traumatic events can often result in depression and suicidal thoughts. There is no doubt that the economic and environmental destruction that has occurred along the coast can qualify as a traumatic event. Consequently, many residents are displaying classic signs of the illness resulting in an increase in depression related events such as suicides and domestic violence.
Less than two months after the damaged BP oil rig began spewing oil into the gulf, boat captain Allen "Rookie" Kruse, 55, took his own life inside the quarters of his boat. In the June 26 Miami Herald article, "A suicide reminds Gulf coast of mental toll of BP oil spill," written by Robert Samuels, environmental sociologist J. Steven Picou states, "Something that people thought was practically impossible has happened. There will be severe and long-lasting impacts, and this will probably not be the last suicide."
Depression and Other Side-Effects of the Gulf Oil Spill
Much of the concern surrounding the possible long-term mental health effects of the Gulf oil spill comes as a result of some of the effects seen in the aftermath of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill. According to an NPR article, "How Will the Gulf Oil Spill Affect Human Health?" communities that were affected by the Exxon spill, "had much higher incidence[s] of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety." The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) discovered that residents in communities affected by the 1989 Valdez spill were more than twice as likely to be depressed and over three times as likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder.
Kruse's June suicide is not the only evidence that this is already occurring along the Gulf. The mayor of Bayou La Batre, a coastal Alabama community, has reported that domestic violence calls in the area have tripled since the oil spill began. Experts like sociologist Picou expect to see the continuation of such events as well as other effects like an increase in divorce rates. These symptoms of the spill are perhaps the most tragic; side-effects and damage that cannot be made whole by monetary compensation. As a result, experts are already gathering in an attempt to aid those suffering psychologically from the spill.
How the Victims of the Gulf Spill are Being Helped
Medical researchers met last week in New Orleans to discuss the health side-effects of the spill. The gathering, formed by the Congressionally chartered Institute of Medicine, came as a result of a request made by Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The June 22 and 23 workshop consisted of over 40 sessions dealing with topics ranging from the need for state governments to monitor the health of their residents to both the short-term physical and long-term mental effects of the spill. Aside from information gathering, help is also coming from local charities and non-profit organizations.
The St. Bernard Project, (SBP) a non-profit organization developed in 2006 as a response to the ravages caused by hurricane Katrina, is attempting to expand its services through its mental health and wellness clinic to aid in the "psychological rebuilding" of the community. SBP plans to provide assistance by providing:
- Peer-to-peer wellness and counseling programs like those seen in post-9/11 NYC
- Free licensed mental health and wellness services
- Jobs for spouses and family members of fishermen in community outreach and referral services
The long-term effects are as unknown as the outcome and end of the oil spill itself. Viewed as worse than a hurricane because of its seemingly unending attack on the coast and its waters, the Gulf oil spill and its effects will likely continue for months and years to come. As the economic and environmental damages continue to take their toll on Gulf residents, experts agree that the psychological damage will continue as well, and the full-scope of its side-effects may not be seen for years. Consequently, groups like the St. Bernard Project will likely be needed in ever increasing numbers.
Kelsey Anderson - Kelsey Anderson is a stay-at-home mother of two, who has done everything from retail sales management, to substitute teaching, to law ...
