Survivors may still be in shock

KOZHIKODE: The traumatised survivors of the rain havoc face several disorders like depression, fear and sleeplessness. It is feared that quacks may exploit the situation and the authorities have advised the people not to fall into their traps.

The social media is also offering several psychological tips which would have a reverse effect if they come from an unprofessional source.

Religious-centric groups may also provide their versions. “Trauma cases should be handled by trained counsellors and each individual should be screened and provided tips according to the requirement,” said Kozhikode district probation officer Sheeba Mumtaz.

The social justice (SJ) department trained 80 counsellors on Monday and they will go to every household of the survivors in the district.

“The aim is to raise their morale and make them feel that they are not alone. It is a session to be handled by qualified personnel and quacks should not be entertained,” she cautioned. According to Kozhikode-based clinical psychologist C.P. Jawad, psychological first-aid should be given to the survivors by trained professionals. “It is only after individual screening, one can know the level of counselling required.  The psycho-social intervention is scientific and there is a protocol to apply it,” he said.

The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) and the health and SJ departments are coordinating the activities in Kozhikode district.