Walks in Kaliti, Life in a Destitute Shelter for the Displaced

Abstract

Discusses the information gleaned from the qualitative data and the problems and promises of training a Core Group to provide mental health service. Most of the information that is reported comes from the work done in a single shelter in Kaliti. The Transcultural Psychosocial Organization, a World Health Organization Collaborative Center organized a cross-cultural study to assess the prevalence and types of mental disorders among war traumatized populations. The aims of the project were to find out if there were any cultural differences that led to an increase or reduced incidences of mental disorders and to find ways to support and build upon existing and successful strategies. The psychosocial problems of Kaliti were surveyed along with the material conditions of the shelter and surviving in the shelter. The authors review the mental health problems, post traumatic stress disorder, and the horrors of the camp. Their findings show that not everyone in the camp suffered or coped in the same way. Cultural differences in the symptoms of psychopathology were also found. Examples of individuals are given to illustrate these findings. Discussion also focuses on concepts and misconceptions of trying to intervene including an analysis of working with the Core Group. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)(chapter)