Now Reading: Upper Assam flood survivors face mental health crisis, say doctors
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Upper Assam flood survivors face mental health crisis, say doctors
Upper Assam flood survivors face mental health crisis, say doctors
As floodwaters recede in Upper Assam, a mental health crisis is emerging among survivors who lost homes, land and loved ones. Doctors and relief workers warn that anxiety, grief and trauma are…
The Story in Brief
As floodwaters recede in Upper Assam, a mental health crisis is emerging among survivors who lost homes, land and loved ones. Doctors and relief workers warn that anxiety, grief and trauma are widespread, but dedicated psychological support remains scarce. Dr Babul Bezboruah, principal of Gauhati Medical College, says stress is manifesting as physical symptoms such as headaches, palpitations and sleep disturbances. He has called for a clear referral pathway from relief camps to mental health professionals.
Angshuman Phukan, a psychology professor at Assam Women's University, says many affected communities are not used to disasters of this scale and are in denial. He warns that post-traumatic stress disorder may surface within six months. Children, who lack the vocabulary to express their emotions, may show distress through irritability, disturbed sleep or anger outbursts. Relief workers say survivors need emotional support urgently, not just food and shelter.
The Indian Opinion
The official focus on physical damage means the psychological toll of disasters is routinely ignored. That is a mistake. The claim that these communities are 'unprepared' risks blaming victims for trauma they never had to build. Resilience is not a switch; it is built over time. The real test now is whether Assam's health system will formally add mental health screening to every flood relief camp. The number of PTSD cases reported in the next six months will tell us if we are serious.
Source: assamtribune.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
