South Asia, with its unique geographical characteristics and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, recurrently endures climate-related extremities resulting in floods, cyclones and famine. This chapter explores the different mental health implications of such events, focusing on vulnerable populations such as women and children. The psychological impact of such events manifests in short- and long-term implications such as post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal ideation and substance abuse. Post-disaster food insecurity and socioeconomic challenges exacerbate these risks. Coping mechanisms and resilience among the survivors have also been explored, highlighting commonly used mechanisms of adapting (social support, spiritual beliefs, indigenous knowledge, etc.) among individuals as well as communities. We have also outlined a country-wise disaster management framework and adaptation policies in the region, highlighting successful strategies such as climate-resilient farming and early warning systems. However, the South Asian setting presents a myriad of challenges in disaster management and the lack of psychosocial support in these frameworks. The chapter concludes with advocacy for an all-inclusive approach towards disaster management that is rooted in principles of community-based psychosocial support and formalized training at grassroots levels.

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Mental Health Aspects of Famine, Flood and Cyclones

  • Joydeep Majumder,
  • Indranil Saha,
  • Writama Guha,
  • Neha Dahiya

摘要

South Asia, with its unique geographical characteristics and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, recurrently endures climate-related extremities resulting in floods, cyclones and famine. This chapter explores the different mental health implications of such events, focusing on vulnerable populations such as women and children. The psychological impact of such events manifests in short- and long-term implications such as post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal ideation and substance abuse. Post-disaster food insecurity and socioeconomic challenges exacerbate these risks. Coping mechanisms and resilience among the survivors have also been explored, highlighting commonly used mechanisms of adapting (social support, spiritual beliefs, indigenous knowledge, etc.) among individuals as well as communities. We have also outlined a country-wise disaster management framework and adaptation policies in the region, highlighting successful strategies such as climate-resilient farming and early warning systems. However, the South Asian setting presents a myriad of challenges in disaster management and the lack of psychosocial support in these frameworks. The chapter concludes with advocacy for an all-inclusive approach towards disaster management that is rooted in principles of community-based psychosocial support and formalized training at grassroots levels.