(Event Report) 49th HGPI Breakfast Meeting Mental Health Challenges and Mental Health Support of Nuclear Power Plant Workers in Fukushima

date : 10/22/2014

As part of the disaster relief activities after the Great East Japan Earthquake (3.11), Health and Global Policy Institute in collaboration with the National Defense Medical College conducted research into the mental health impact of disaster on workers at nuclear plants in Fukushima. In conjunction with this project, we were pleased to welcome Dr. Jun Shigemura, associate professor of the National Defense Medical College, who spoke on the mental health challenges and support of nuclear power plant workers in Fukushima.

Dr. Shigemura specializes in mental health support for survivors affected by disaster with an emphasis on the mental health of disaster relief workers. On March 20, 2011, just nine days after 3.11, Dr. Shigemura arrived in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture to provide mental health support to self-defense force and administrative officers. During that time, he focused in particular on the nuclear power plant workers who faced several unique mental health challenges.

More than three years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, nuclear power plant workers in Fukushima continue to work to ensure public safety despite the on-going risk of exposure to radiation. Despite their sustained dedication, a recent study by Dr. Tanigawa of Juntendo University School of Medicine (formerly a professor of Ehime University Graduate School) and Dr. Shigemura reveals that 12% of TEPCO employees working at Daiichi and Daini nuclear power plants in Fukushima experienced discrimination and slander from the public. The study indicates that such experiences are strongly linked to mental stress, depressive symptoms and PTSD symptoms. Mental stress coupled with a harsh working environment can cause various health problems and may impact daily operations at the nuclear power plant.

This breakfast meeting addressed the findings of this research and provided attendees with an opportunity to discuss the mental health challenges that nuclear power plant workers in Fukushima face today and the challenges to providing appropriate mental health support for these individuals.

■Theme
Mental Health Challenges and Mental Health Support of Nuclear Power Plant Workers in Fukushima

■Speaker
Dr. Jun Shigemura, Associate Professor, National Defense Medical College

■Date and Time
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
8:00 am – 9:00 am

■Venue
Andersen Omotesando
5-1-26 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062

Registration deadline: 2014-10-20

Exhibition date：2014-10-22

2014-10-22 重村淳先生PPT資料.pdf

(Event Report) 49th HGPI Breakfast Meeting Mental Health Challenges and Mental Health Support of Nuclear Power Plant Workers in Fukushima

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