While the immediate aftermath of a flood focuses on rescue and recovery efforts, the psychological toll on communities and those that survive these disasters can last for prolonged periods of time, and there isn’t yet a systematic approach to treating the hidden impacts of these disasters.
This article sheds light into the less visible consequences of floods, namely their impact on mental health, and aims at highlighting the importance of recognizing, addressing, and supporting mental well-being as a consequence of floods.
Floods disrupt the equilibrium of daily life, leaving individuals suffering with trauma, loss, and uncertainty. The abruptness and intensity of flooding can trigger a range of emotional responses, from fear and anxiety to grief and helplessness. Witnessing the destruction of lives, animals, homes, livelihoods, and possessions of sentimental value can lead to feelings of despair, while the chaos and displacement that follow contribute to a sense of instability and vulnerability. An element listed as one that affects the mental health of people was the absence of warning.
Among the common mental health impacts of floods is the ignition or exacerbation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Survivors, especially those who experienced life-threatening situations during a flood, may be left with recurring nightmares, flashbacks, and intense anxiety triggered by reminders of the disaster. Left untreated, PTSD can have a severe impact on overall well-being and quality of life. It’s also worth mentioning that mental health issues, not only are able to cause great levels of disability, but also have an enormous impact on the economy and on medical resources. In fact, globally lost productivity is estimated to cost 1 trillion dollars each year.
According to a study carried out with communities that have gone through floods in the UK, depression, mood disorders, sleep disruption, anxiety and even suicide often arise after a flood. The loss of homes, livelihoods, and safety can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Disrupted routines, the loss of social capital, financial strains, and uncertainty about the future are elements that can make the symptoms worsen. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, low-income families, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, are particularly susceptible to experiencing psychological distress.
But floods not only affect individuals but also fracture the fabric of communities. Displacement, relocation, and disruption of social networks can result in isolation and decreased social support systems. This loss of community cohesion and the challenges of rebuilding contribute to a sense of detachment and estrangement, amplifying feelings of loneliness and again, exacerbating mental health challenges.
Initiatives that prioritize mental health support within disaster recovery efforts are essential, but what we believe is post important is to integrate mental well-being into disaster preparedness and recovery plans, and to establish preventative measures and adaptation measures that allow communities to feel safe and have predictability (which include proper flood warning systems in place) making them resilient.
