Handling psychological trauma

Many people may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

KERALA, INDIA - AUGUST 20: Locals from nearby villages in the Chengannur area take shelter at the relief camp in local collage in Chengannur on August 20, 2018 in Kerala, India. Over 350 people have reportedly died in the southern Indian state of Kerala after weeks of monsoon rains which caused the worst flooding in nearly a century. Officials said more than 800,000 people have been displaced and taken shelter in around 4,000 relief camps across Kerala as the Indian armed forces step up efforts to rescue thousands of stranded people and get relief supplies to isolated areas. (Atul Loke/Getty Images)

“Rather than physical trauma, the flood-affected are facing psychological trauma of an unprecedented scale,” Jacob Varghese, district medical officer, has said.

This is more prevalent among those who have been evacuated from Kuttanad who left their homes with nothing other than the clothes they wore, Dr. Varghese said.

V. Satheesh, head of the Department Psychiatry at Government Medical College, Kottayam, told

The Hindu that there was an urgent need to incorporate psychological rehabilitation of the victims in the current rehabilitation programme. A team from the Department of Psychiatry had begun it, though in a small way, he said adding they had visited a few camps at Changanassery where evacuees from Kuttanad were housed.

In a camp that housed over 550 people, at least 16 persons were in need of psychological support. Many had complained of insomnia, some in a stage of reliving the tragedy, while some others were in denial mode. When the team arrived at the camp, many refused to interact as they were in an angry mood. “At least two of the residents were in a state of depression and needed medication,” Dr. Satheesh said.

In another camp, the team identified at least 23 persons who needed psychological help. “There was this young man, 38 years of age. He talked a lot about how he could rescue many. He came out as a positive personality who was ready to face the adversities. But suddenly he stopped talking and started crying saying. ‘I don't know what lies next,’” he said.

According to him, these were early symptoms and the vulnerable segments may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on account of the unresolved conflicts within them. They could develop adjustment problems and if left untreated, many could end up in a state of depression. “What we have to chart out is a long-term programme for them to face the psycho-social problems,” he said.

Kuttanad in focus

According to Dr. Varghese, many of the evacuees from Kuttanad were totally disoriented and in a state of shock when they arrived in Changanassery. “Many senior citizens were suddenly moved away from familiar circumstances, put in a truck, and brought to a place they knew little about. All in a matter of hours and leaving all their worldly goods in a sinking landscape. Some had relatives at Changanassery, but were unwilling to accept their hospitality.”

Going back after the water recedes will give them another shock. “We have asked them not to take children when they go back. Take them only after they have cleaned the house. Otherwise, the children may not be able to withstand the site of the houses ravaged by the floods,” Dr. Varghese said.

According to him, providing psychological support to flood victims will have to be an important component in the rehabilitation package. “We already have a system to take care of such issues through the District Mental Health Programme and the volunteers of the Social Welfare Department who have been trained in this respect. However, the challenge we face is huge,” Dr. Varghese said.

Dr. Satheesh called for a concerted effort from various agencies with the district authorities coordinating them, charting out a long-term programme, and incorporating it into the rehabilitation programme.