Focus need on mental wellbeing of cyclone hit communities

The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists released a statement underscoring the importance of  paying attention to the mental wellbeing of people impacted by Cyclone Ditwah and offering support to them.

The College said it is normal for individuals to feel stressed, sad, fearful, or confused after a disaster and urged the public to prioritize emotional well-being during the recovery period.

According to available statistics, close to two million Sri Lankans have been affected either directly or indirectly by the natural disaster, some losing loved ones, others being left destitute having lost all their belongings while others have had to salvage their homes from a massive damage to their properties.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), slmost all people affected by emergencies experience psychological distress, and need access to mental health care and other basic needs.

 As with any disaster manmade or natural, it is always those at the lower rungs of society that are worse off with pre-existing social situations such as  poverty and discrimination against marginalized groups, adding to their woes. Emergency-induced situations including family separation, lack of safety, loss of livelihoods, disrupted social networks, low trust and reduced resources are some of these conditions.

According to the WHO, most people affected by emergencies experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, sleep issues, fatigue, irritability, anger or aches. This psychological distress usually improves over time, but some people go on to develop a mental health condition. An estimated 22% may have depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia .

There are a number of school children who were impacted by the cyclone and they are highly vulnerable group with their education/ examinations disrupted. The elderly too will be among those marginalized in such situations.

The Education Ministry said that it has already begun counselling programs for children affected by the disaster with students who were mid-way into their Advanced Level examination among those coming under special focus.

The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists has issued several guidelines to help people cope  and this include focusing on strengths and small tasks with activities such as cleaning, sorting documents, checking on relatives, and helping neighbours to restore a sense of control.

The College said that it’s important to stay connected, especially with vulnerable groups such as  pregnant mothers, young children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and anyone with long-term illnesses or mental health conditions.

It is also important to reassure children by keeping routines as normal as possible and explain the situation in simple terms and use  spiritual and cultural practices.

The other guidelines are to continue regular medications, limit distressing news and avoid rumours and not share unverified information or distressing images.

The College reminded the public to act responsibly and encouraged those who need help to seek help by calling the 24/7 National Mental Health Helpline in 1926, or by visiting the nearest hospital for support.

The WHO’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, (MHPSS) which works globally to ensure that mental health emergency preparedness and response is both coordinated and effective, will also be assisting the country in this area.

In 2024, the World Health Assembly approved a resolution to strengthen MHPSS in all stages of emergencies and provide integrated, quality mental health services which are accessible to all. It assists  Member States in emergency and disaster risk management, preparedness and readiness actions for mental health and psychosocial support in order to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support capacities during emergencies in a way that contributes to the development of sustainable mental health services, including community-based services, within the health system.

This is one area which the country will need to strengthen as it struggles to overcome the trauma of one of its worst natural disasters.