Is there a link between natural disasters and mental health? Experts decode

“Natural disasters are traumatic life events and therefore extremely overwhelming,” said Tanushri Baikar Talekar, a clinical psychologist at Masina Hospital. “These are large scale and often unexpected,” he added.

Exploring this nature of such disasters, a June 2022 study from the University of California, Irvine focused on indirect, direct, and media-based exposure to Hurricanes Irma and Michael, which hit the United States in 2017 and 2018, respectively. He found that symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety were identified, along with ongoing general fear and worry in the study population. In addition, he indicated a link between natural disasters and adverse psychological problems, raising concerns about the impact of weather events on mental health.

“Most people will recover and show resilience over time. However, as catastrophic weather-related hurricanes and other natural disasters such as wildfires and heat waves increase, this natural healing process can be disrupted by repeated exposure to hazards,” said Dana Rose Garfin, of the University of California, Irvine, and first author of the study.

As such, following recent natural disasters such as floods (in Assam, more than 45 lakh people affected), earthquakes (in Afghanistan, more than 1000 people killed), cyclones (in and around Sunderbans), Heat waves in Iran, Spain and parts of the United States, experts clarify the link between natural calamities and mental health, and what should be done.

Heat waves have prevailed in all regions (Photo Express by Praveen Khanna)

According to the 2011 review by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) titled Disasters and their consequences for public health, “disasters directly impact the health of the population resulting in physical trauma, acute illness and emotional trauma. In addition, disasters can increase morbidity and mortality associated with chronic diseases and infectious diseases through the impact on the health care system.

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In particular, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) states that since “disasters do not strike uniformly” and their effect differs from person to person and region to region, even Under normal circumstances, vulnerable groups due to their physical, emotional, and social limitations do not receive adequate help and support and are “prone to both physical and psychological difficulties.”

Loss of resources, loss of daily routine, lack of control over one’s possessions, and loss of social support were associated with elevated levels of acute psychological distress, noted a 2019 NCBI literature review.

Why are natural disasters a cause for concern?

NCBI research also indicates that mental health problems have generally been seen as a neglected issue, especially in India, in view of the associated stigma. Mental health issues caused by disasters are even more neglected, she says. Therefore, to fill this gap, it is necessary to understand more about disasters and mental health. Dipti Reddy Nallu MD, Psychiatry, Citizens Specialty Hospital agreed, saying, “Disaster survivors and the community recognize the loss of social and economic resources, but recognition of psychological suffering is often stigmatized or ignored by most.”

In psychological terms, such calamities can affect people in the short and long term (Rep) (Source: Pixabay)

According to a 2020 book Public Health and Disasters: Health Emergencies and Disaster Risk Management in Asiathe 1999 Odisha supercyclone, which affected more than 10,000 people, triggered several studies on mental health vulnerability (Kar et al., 2004) and PTSD (Sharan et al., 1996, Kar et al., 2007). The Indian Ocean tsunami (2004) that killed 10,000 people in India and left several homeless prompted new research on mental health and psychosocial care for adults. (Becker, 2007, Sharan et al., 1996) and women (Becker, 2009) survivors of the disaster.

The magnitude of psychological trauma and subsequent experiences due to disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis can be serious for most people, mentions the National Guidelines for Disaster Management. Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Services in Disasters. “The greater the trauma, the more severe the psychological distress and social disability,” she says.

Not only that, NCBI it also points out how various studies have explained, for example, the physical and psychological health effects of a flood. During and after the floods, people suffering from physical health effects such as cold, cough, flu, sore throat or throat infections and headaches, skin rashes, gastrointestinal illnesses, chest illnesses, high blood pressure , asthma also experience psychological stress, he notes.

In situations where support systems are also compromised, the impact can be more long-lasting and devastating, said psychologist Kamna Chhibber. “People are known to develop mental health-related illnesses such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, to name a few, due to exposure to such events,” she Chhibber said. indianexpress.com.

In psychological terms, such calamities can affect people in the short and long term. According to Chhibber, Talekar explained that the psychological toll can “last for years.” “Survivors go through intense emotions like shock, grief, confusion and disbelief,” Talekar added.

An archive photo of Mizoram (Express Archives)

It can also precipitate as substance dependence and adjustment problems that affect the proper functioning of the individual and the community, resulting in family conflict, according to NCBI.

What can be done?

The first thing would always be medical help as soon as possible and providing realistic solutions to deal with it. “These would be practical things that relate to where people need to go, access to medical services, food, shelter, etc. The availability of information is crucial to ensure that panic does not occur and that people feel they are being guided calmly. , collected in a way that ensures your safety and security,” explained Chhibber.

According to NDMAIndia’s mental health response during disasters has “evolved from identifying and treating individual psychiatric cases to strengthening the coping skills of survivors in a community (Kishore Kumar et al., 2000)“. The National Mental Health Program (NMHP) includes strategies for Psychosocial Care and Mental Health Services in disasters (PSMHS). Accepting the psychological impact of a natural disaster is the first step toward coping strategies, said Dr. Reddy Nallu.

The NDMA guidelines also aim to improve the coping capacities of disaster-affected communities by offering adequate support to rebuild their lives. Service networks are made up of psychiatric units from tertiary health facilities and educational institutions, clinical psychologists, social workers, NGOs, paramedical professionals, community workers, and volunteers.

Chhibber said that providing “real-time, practical solutions to the problems being faced can help build hope and resilience and help cope.”

“Reassurance through the presence of other supportive people can go a long way in helping people. Continuing to encourage people to discuss their experiences is an imperative that allows them to share, express and gain perspective as well,” she said.

Psychiatrist Dr. Samir Parekh agreed. He said that instead of suppressing feelings, he can help when one tries to share experiences with people who may have the same or a similar experience. “Individual or group counseling or medications along with gradual social interactions can help deal with traumatic events,” he explained.

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