One major mental health issue that affects victims of natural disasters, especially in South Asia, which is the region that comprises the countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka- is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder may appear as soon as one month after a stressful experience, but they can also take years to become apparent. It impacts a person’s relationships and interactions one has with the world around them. It has a significant effect on an individual’s day-to-day life. PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: 

·      Intrusive memories

·       Avoidance

·      Negative changes in thinking and mood

·      Changes in physical and emotional reactions

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Region on Edge: The Constant Threat of Natural Disasters in South Asia

The region of South Asia is no stranger to natural disasters. The South and Southeast Asian regions are highly susceptible to extreme weather events due to its geographically precarious location, with many countries bordered by vast coastlines, poor economic infrastructure, and weaker healthcare systems. According to the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), as a continent, Asia encounters the highest frequency of natural disasters (44.4%), leading to the highest amount of disaster victims (69.5%) and most damage (64.4% of the global cost due to natural disasters). 

Such adversity has a great impact on the physical and mental health of the victims. 

Even though disasters are widespread throughout Asia, there are not many published studies on psychological suffering associated to disasters in the region. This could be partly attributed to the lack of awareness about mental health and stress-related psychiatry. But recently, disaster psychiatry has gained traction in Asian nations due to the growing awareness of PTSD in the wake of earthquakes, mass poisonings, and floods.

How Natural Disasters Cause Trauma

Natural disasters can have psychological impact on the survivors. The individuals who live through such adversity may experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Mental health issues, in general, have been considered as a neglected subject as it is considered as a stigmatized problem. Mental health issues caused by disasters are even more neglected area. It is important to highlight the psychological impact of such events as they aid in developing of resources that can help the victims of such adversities cope. 

For instance: The tsunami waves that devastated the shorelines of several countries of South and Southeast Asia, was one of the worst natural disasters that impacted the region. The catastrophic tidal waves hit various coastal districts in India, including Andhra Pradesh, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands were the worst-hit regions, followed by Tamil Nadu. Kanyakumari district was the second most impacted district in Tamil Nadu in terms of population affected and deaths. Many studies suggest the occurrence of specific mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, depression, anxiety and substance abuse following disasters. PTSD was the most commonly found psychological problem in 81% of investigations from developing countries following natural disasters.

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Reaching the Remote: Expanding Mental Healthcare Access in South Asia

It is essential that, the future brings along with itself, growth and change. Some changes and interventions that can help victims of natural disasters in dealing with mental health conditions such as PTSD are as follows : 

·      Reduction in stigma surrounding mental health

·      Increase in research that aims towards understanding and developing effective interventions for mental health conditions.

·      More community-based intervention methods should be introduced to support the people who are impacted by natural disasters.

·      Increase in policies regarding mental health aid should be intimated by the government.

·      Increase in awareness about the psychological impact of natural disasters. 

The most essential part of providing help and aid to the survivors of such natural disasters is to treat people with kindness, empathy and respect. It is crucial that we deal with such situations with care and sensitivity. 

For professional support, reach out to us at Heart It Out today!