"Mental health problems roughly doubled in the months after Hurricane 
Katrina, but thoughts of suicide among those with mental health 
problems actually decreased, according to a new study.
...
Dr Kessler says the low prevalence of suicidal thoughts observed in 
the current study can be explained by personal growth observed among 
respondents, including those with mental health problems."

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5727398

(I think there is a sense of connection and purpose experienced 
during mass tragedy that can make depression move to the background 
while identification with a community and a rebuilding project moves 
to the foreground as long as the connection and project involvement 
are sustained.  I don't think Kessler's quote captures that.  The 
study itself does much better.  Sylvia)

http://www.npr.org/documents/2006/aug/katrina_mental_health.pdf



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