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.

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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 preexisting 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.