Strengthen Mental Health in the Face of Disasters and Floods

Strengthen Mental Health in the Face of Disasters and Floods

Dr. Veerawut Ekkamonkul, Psychiatrist at Vibhavadi Hospital

Building mental health is paramount to everyone, but especially to those affected by disasters and floods. Such people are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, and it is essential that they have access to the necessary support and resources to promote their wellbeing.

People suffering from severe stress may experience a variety of symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety, and stress. This can lead to an exacerbation of physical conditions such as high blood pressure, migraines, and allergies. In some cases, depression, anxiety, and fear of floods may arise. In the most severe cases, suicidal thoughts, isolation, and lack of activities may occur. It is essential to seek professional help from a psychiatrist in order to manage stress and alleviate its symptoms.

Building mental health for flood victims starts with the importance of avoiding isolation and being in a group of friends or family. In the group, everyone can share their thoughts and experiences, enabling conversation, which is essential for human connection and stress reduction. When someone listens and offers comfort, it can help victims feel more at ease and motivated to rise again. To help further, victims should participate in various activities, both with the group and independently. Additionally, they should be open to support from both their peers and the wider community. This can provide faster results than waiting for state aid. Self-help groups should also include a range of activities that help improve mental health, such as stress relief training and eating foods that are beneficial to the body.

Participating in helping those affected by disaster is a great way to strengthen mental health, as donating money, food, and other necessary items, or sacrificing physical effort and time can bring a sense of pride and happiness. Even those who are fortunate enough not to have been affected by the disaster can benefit from helping others. To further prevent disasters such as flooding from occurring in the future, it is important to cooperate with the government to ensure proper preventative measures are taken.