Wayanad’s landslide devastation should teach our governments a lesson. Establishing a system to provide psychological comfort for the victims is essential for those dire situations. In our country, hundreds die in hurricanes, flash floods, landslides, and major train accidents. Sometimes thousands become homeless. Such victims should be given immediate assistance to move them to safer places. Immediately, medical care, food and clothes to be provided for the victims.
Natural calamities, disasters, tragedies, accidents make people mentally depressed. This is when victims need comfort. Counselling psychologists and clinical psychiatrists should also be available to serve victims so as not to fear the future. In our country, there is no special system for providing such services. Toward mitigation of the negative impact of the disasters on mental health, and building resilience is vital.
Clinical Psychologists providing services
Kerala wing of the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) offers counselling to Wayanad landslide survivors, providing phone and in-person sessions for trauma relief. Association of Clinical Psychologists has initiated a two-way approach by offering counselling services over phone and conducting one-to-one sessions at relief camps.
Disasters may result in a wide range of consequences
Disaster-affected people experience various psychological reactions. These reactions immediately follow the event while socio-economic impacts like lack of employment; homelessness, Environmental destruction and disorganisation emerge as a consequence, following the devastation caused by the disaster. After a disaster, the emotional reactions among members of a community may vary from each other and this also may usually undergo changes over time depending upon the coping capacity and socio-economic condition of that community.
Therefore, post-disaster psychological interventions should be flexible and based on an on-going assessment of needs. The emotional reactions should be understood based on the manifestation of various stress reactions, level of effort put by the people for their own reconstruction, the pattern and amount of disability created due to these psychological stress etc. Also, disasters are traumatic events that may result in a wide range of mental and physical health consequences.
Common traumatic conditions
Disasters can affect individuals of all ages, and the traumatic conditions can vary depending on the age group. It's essential to consider these age-specific traumatic conditions when providing disaster response and recovery support. Early intervention and on-going support are critical to helping disaster victims heal and recover.
Children (0-12 years)
1. Separation anxiety from parents/caregivers
2. Fear of loud noises, darkness, and unknown environments
3. Regression in behaviour (e.g., bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
4. Difficulty expressing emotions
5. Increased clinginess
Adolescents (13-18 years)
1. Emotional turmoil and mood swings
2. Rebellion or withdrawal from family and friends
3. Increased risk-taking behaviour
4. Difficulty concentrating in school
5. Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame
Adults (19-64 years)
1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
2. Anxiety and depression
3. Grief and loss reactions
4. Substance abuse or increased substance use
5. Relationship conflicts and communication breakdowns
Older Adults (65+ years)
1. Increased vulnerability due to physical limitations
2. Loss of independence and autonomy
3. Grief and bereavement reactions
4. Cognitive decline or confusion
5. Social isolation and loneliness
Special Considerations
1. Infants and toddlers: May exhibit changes in feeding, sleeping, or attachment patterns.
2. People with disabilities: May face unique challenges in evacuation, communication, and access to resources.
3. Pregnant women: May experience increased stress, anxiety, and physical complications.
4. Immigrants and refugees: May face language barriers, cultural differences, and uncertainty about their status.
Psychological trauma & counselling
Emotional distress: Disasters can cause intense emotional pain, including anxiety, fear, grief, and depression.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Victims may develop PTSD, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviours.
Loss and grief: Disasters can result in loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, leading to complex grief reactions.
Trauma and stress: Disasters can cause acute stress reactions, including dissociation, hyper-vigilance, and emotional numbing.
Adjustment difficulties: Victims may struggle to adjust to new circumstances, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Social support disruption: Disasters can disrupt social support networks, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Physical health consequences: Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to physical health problems, such as cardiovascular issues and compromised immune systems.
Counselling can help disaster victims
Process emotions and trauma
Develop coping strategies
Rebuild sense of control and empowerment
Enhance resilience
Improve mental health and well-being
Foster social support connections
Address physical health concerns
Trained counsellors can provide relief
Individual and group counselling
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
Trauma-focused CBT
Psychological first aid
Support groups
Mindfulness-based interventions