The Impact of Natural Disasters on Mental Health and Ways to Provide Support

How do natural disasters affect people’s mental health, and how can we offer support to those impacted? Major natural catastrophes or other emergencies can have direct or indirect effects on individuals’ mental well-being. Those affected may experience various mental health challenges such as fear, stress, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Psychotherapy experts have provided insight into these conditions.

To identify mental health conditions in such situations, offer immediate assistance, and understand how families and communities can provide support, Pratiksha Khanal spoke with psychiatrist and assistant professor Dr. Nina Rai for the LifeLine program ‘BBC Hatemalo.’