Adapting to Natural Disasters: A Potrait of Resilience and Psychosocial Support to the People Living in Disaster Prone Areas of West Sumatra in Indonesia

A natural disaster is an event whose occurrence and impact cannot be predicted. The traumatic events of the disaster may trigger biological and psychological disorders, which may emerge as a result of Post-Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, since natural disasters are destructive, traumatic and endanger lives, disaster hit communities should be encouraged to be optimistic and also maintain a strong desire to revive from the divastating events. Being optimistic and having a strong spirit to revive is referred to as resilience. Resilience during disaster times, is a situation whereby communities are able to revive from the worst situation, rebuild their communities and are also able to develop the ability to think positively in relation to the disaster experienced. Resilience is one of the characteristic that can help survivors to overcome the shock and trauma they face after a disaster. An analysis towards survivers' capacity of resilience shows a strong relationship with the social support offerred to victims of a disaster. Psychological intervention, by means of psychosocial support in a group, also reveals that psycho-therapy is a very useful approach and it can help survivors return to their normal life situation. It tames emotional unrest and also arouses optimism among the groups faced with difficulties during or after the event has taken place.