Post-disaster scenario: Dealing with a mental health crisis

Different parts of Nepal have experienced devastating floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains in the past few months. Floods and landslides in the past few days have claimed many lives across the country, including in the Kathmandu Valley and the vicinity, displaced thousands of citizens and destroyed property/infrastructure worth billions of rupees like roads, complicating rescue efforts. The valley, a symbol of culture and natural beauty, now serves as a reminder of Nepal’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and natural disasters.

Nepal’s geography, home to the world’s highest peaks, also makes it prone to natural disasters such as floods and landslides. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, Nepal is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Around 80 percent of Nepal’s population is at risk of climate-induced hazards, as factors like melting glaciers and poor land management exacerbate these calamities. While the physical destruction is visible, the emotional and mental toll often goes unnoticed.

A mental health crisis

The human cost of disasters like the recent floods and landslides goes beyond the immediate loss of life and property. As survivors grapple with the destruction of their homes, the deaths of loved ones and displacement, many experience severe emotional and psychological distress. Grief, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are some of the mental health challenges that emerge in the aftermath of such disasters.

Impact on mental health

The short-term consequences of the ongoing disaster are evident—loss of life, destruction of homes, and thousands of displaced families. But as the immediate shock subsides, the long-term effects, especially on mental health, begin to surface. Individuals who endure repeated trauma from these disasters are at higher risk of chronic anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Without adequate support, the trauma can result in lifelong emotional damage.

The absence of a comprehensive mental health policy in Nepal exacerbates the problem. Despite a growing mental health crisis, access to professional therapy and support is scarce, particularly in rural areas. Nepal faces a shortage of trained mental health professionals, and stigma around seeking psychological help remains prevalent.

Responding to the crisis

Amid the ongoing disaster response, mental health support must be given due priority. Mental health workers have been working at displaced sites, offering psychological first aid, group counseling sessions and therapies like trauma-focused therapy to help survivors cope with the crisis. Therapists are using techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and individual therapy, which are useful in addressing their specific needs.

However, with limited resources, these efforts fall short of reaching everyone in need. The government, NGOs and international organizations must work together to integrate mental health services into disaster response programs. Public awareness campaigns are essential to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage those affected to seek help.

Building resilience

While Nepal continues to contend with the ongoing floods and landslides, the country must also prepare for future disasters. Strengthening infrastructure, improving early warning systems and promoting sustainable land management are crucial steps toward reducing the impact of natural disasters. But equally important is addressing the mental health toll that these events leave in their wake.

To help the Nepali community heal both physically and mentally, it is crucial to encourage open dialogue about mental health and ensure access to necessary resources. Early intervention, community support and trauma-focused care can pave the way toward recovery and resilience.

The author is a psychiatrist