Gulf oil spill and mental health

Filed in archive Ethics on June 22, 2010

The impact of the Gulf oil spill on economies and communities has been extensively documented. But now there are warnings it could have massive implications for mental health of communities in the region.

USA Today reports that it will have a devastating impact because of the enormous social disruption. USA Today reports: "Especially because of hurricanes Katrina and Gustav, people are telling doctors it's as if there were this lid on top of their feelings and "all of a sudden it's come off," says Howard Osofsky, chair of the psychiatry department at Louisiana State University. "We're seeing indications that people are drinking more. We are also beginning to see some indication of increased domestic conflict."

According to this report, we can expect to see outbreaks of anxiety, post-traumatic Stress Disorder and depression.

It has happened before. The Exxon Valdez spill had a disastrous impact on the mental health of communities in Alaska with the mayor of one town, Cordova, shooting himself and, according to this news report from the Sarasota Tribune at the time, leaving a suicide note that mentioned the Exxon Valdez.

All up, it means the impact of BP's mismanagement will be felt for many years and potentially, passed on to the next generations. It will also put more strain on government budgets.