A 50-year-old homemaker in North Paravur is still to come to terms with the fact that the devastating floods had washed away her lifetime’s collection of home appliances and furniture.
For five-year-old Ishan (name changed), going to school remains a traumatic experience as he fears that the floods will happen again. A government employee in East Kadungalloor has been under severe stress after his car dealer informed him that his brand new vehicle that was submerged in waters will have to be treated as ‘total loss’.
Nearly four weeks after the deluge, flood-hit families struggle to recover from the scars left by the rushing waters going by the numerous distress calls being received at the 24x7 disaster distress helpline (Mobile no: 9946000458) set up by the Ernakulam Psychiatric Society.
“We have received over 500 distress calls from flood-affected families in the district. They are going through post-flood trauma, depression, anxiety and stress,” Ernakulam Psychiatric Society secretary Prateesh P.J said.
A team of over 25 psychiatrists affiliated to the society has been supporting the flood victims to open up their minds and speak up as the first solution to overcome the stress. “As they are passing through severe emotional distress, they may not be in a position to think logically. Family members, friends and relatives could chip in by supporting them at this crucial juncture,” said Mr. Prateesh.
Experts have been telling parents that they should refrain from speaking about flood losses when children are around. Dr. Prateesh said that children should be sent to schools as teachers and friends would help them overcome the emotional trauma.
Many are yet to come out of the stress after having lost their valuables like refrigerator, mixie, electrical appliances, etc. “We console them by saying that they need to think of short-term solutions rather than worrying about the future. Let them make a list of the most required items and try to buy them. The rest could wait. Families could decide not to go on a buying spree by taking loans after paying huge interest,” said Dr. Prateesh.
For those who are in a hurry to get their damaged vehicles listed under the total loss category, psychiatrists have a valuable advice - please do not rush with your decision. Use public transport for a few months. Try other options like repairing the vehicle. Any hurried decision at this phase would only result in further loss, they said.
