ACCESS TO SERVICE: MENTAL HEALTH IN CATESTROPHES AND EMERGENCIES (Indian Perspective) WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY -2025
ACCESS TO SERVICE:
MENTAL HEALTH IN CATESTROPHES AND
EMERGENCIES (Indian Perspective)
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY -2025
Introduction
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” While this theme holds global significance, this blog primarily focuses on the Indian context, where disasters and emergencies have become recurring realities.
India, with its vast geography and diverse population, frequently faces natural and human-made catastrophes such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, and industrial accidents. These events not only affect physical survival but also leave deep emotional and psychological imprints on individuals and communities.
If catastrophes and emergencies are so pervasive, these phenomena must be deeply rooted in the essential natures of human beings. To counter the untoward effects of these essential natures, we need to mobilize the other fundamental natures of human beings that facilitate support, healing, and care for others.
Millions of people across India have been affected by catastrophes and emergencies. Nearly one-third of disaster-affected individuals may experience significant mental health consequences. Mental health disorders arising from such events require professionals equipped with specialized skills, knowledge, and cultural sensitivity.
This year’s theme serves as a reminder that mental health concerns often emerge or worsen during crises — and that professional psychological support must be accessible to all who need it. Constant exposure to trauma, coupled with the pressure of providing help under extreme conditions, can also place an immense burden on the mental well-being of professionals themselves.
Mental Health in Emergencies
Social problems
- Pre-existing: poverty, gender discrimination, and marginalization.
- Emergency-induced: family separation, loss of livelihood, displacement, disrupted social networks, and reduced trust.
- Humanitarian response-induced: overcrowding in shelters, lack of privacy, and weakened community support systems.
Mental health problems
- Pre-existing: depression, schizophrenia, harmful use of alcohol and other substances.
- Emergency-induced: grief, acute stress, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Response-induced: anxiety and uncertainty due to lack of information or access to essential resources.
Prevalence
Most disaster survivors experience temporary psychological distress such as sadness, anxiety, sleep issues, or irritability. While these symptoms generally improve over time, some individuals go on to develop mental health disorders.
An estimated 22% may experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Among conflict-affected populations, around 13% have mild forms of depression and anxiety, while 9% experience moderate to severe conditions.
In India, studies following the Kerala floods (2018) and the COVID-19 pandemic found elevated rates of anxiety, grief, and post-traumatic symptoms, particularly among women, the elderly, and healthcare professionals.
The Disaster Cycle and Emotional Phases
Understanding the psychological disaster cycle helps explain how communities and individuals emotionally respond to crises and recover over time.
- Heroic Phase (Days to Weeks)
- This phase begins during or immediately after the disaster. Individuals often display remarkable courage and selflessness, risking their lives to save others.
- Example: During the Uttarakhand floods (2013) and the Odisha super cyclone (1999), local villagers, volunteers, and rescue workers united to save lives despite severe danger.
- Honeymoon Phase (2–4 Weeks)
- A sense of shared purpose and unity prevails. Survivors often feel hopeful and supported as relief materials pour in.
- Example: After the Kerala floods (2018), communities across India came together with donations, relief work, and messages of solidarity, strengthening social bonds.
- Disillusionment Phase (3–36 Months)
- As external aid reduces and recovery slows, optimism fades. Survivors may feel neglected, frustrated, or hopeless, leading to anxiety or depression.
- Example: Following the COVID-19 lockdowns, many families struggled with unemployment, debt, and social isolation, resulting in a surge of mental health issues and emotional exhaustion.
- Restoration/ Reconstruction Phase (Long-term / Lifelong)
- Individuals and communities gradually rebuild their lives. Emotional healing and recovery can take years or even a lifetime.
- Example: Survivors of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) still experience psychological and physical health challenges decades later, demonstrating the long-lasting impact of disasters.
This graphic represents a hypothetical timeline and framework for understanding potential phases of the community psychological responses to major disasters of various types.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies
Children and adolescents are among the most vulnerable during disasters. Exposure to trauma can cause severe psychological distress, including nightmares, withdrawal, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
In India, children displaced by floods, earthquakes, or communal violence often struggle with disrupted education, unsafe environments, and lack of access to emotional support. Without timely intervention, these experiences can have long-term effects on mental and social development.
Parents and caregivers also experience immense stress, which affects their ability to provide stability and reassurance. Psychosocial support programs initiated by institutions like NIMHANS and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have trained volunteers and professionals to offer psychological first aid and promote resilience at the community level.
Recovering Emotionally from Disaster
Understanding common emotional reactions after disasters can help individuals manage their responses and move toward recovery.
Typical reactions include intense emotions, vivid memories, sensitivity to environmental triggers, strained relationships, and physical symptoms such as headaches or chest pain.
However, research shows that most people are resilient and eventually regain stability. Resilience and recovery are the norm, not prolonged distress.
Coping Strategies:
- Give yourself time to grieve and heal.
- Seek support from family, friends, and community members.
- Express feelings through conversation, writing, or art.
- Join support groups led by trained professionals.
- Maintain healthy routines — balanced diet, adequate sleep, and exercise.
- Avoid alcohol, drugs, and major life decisions during early recovery.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience persistent sadness, hopelessness, or find it difficult to manage daily tasks, seek help from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. Warning signs include:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Withdrawal from loved ones
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Anger and irritability
- Feelings of helplessness or guilt
- Excessive substance use
- Thoughts of self-harm
Timely professional support can prevent chronic mental health issues and aid recovery.
Managing the Stress of Children After a Disaster
- Discuss your own emotions with another adult before talking to your child.
- Make time to listen to your child’s stories and feelings.
- Maintain regular routines to provide a sense of normalcy.
- Reassure your child that the disaster was not their fault.
- Limit exposure to distressing news or media coverage.
- Encourage creative play and self-expression.
- Be patient if your child temporarily reverts to earlier behaviors such as clinginess or bed-wetting.
Conclusion
Humanitarian emergencies in India cause widespread distress, affecting people’s mental health and psychosocial well-being. Exposure to violence, displacement, poverty, and loss of livelihood takes a deep emotional toll. While most people eventually adapt, many continue to experience long-term effects that require support and care.
World Mental Health Day 2025 serves as a call to action — reminding us that mental health is not a luxury, but a lifeline.
As India continues to face complex emergencies, integrating mental health care into disaster management plans is essential. Accessible, compassionate, and culturally sensitive psychological support can help individuals not only survive catastrophes but truly recover and rebuild their lives with resilience and hope.