Kozhikode: As the return from camps began, social media is abuzz with several psychological tips which would have the reverse effect if taken from an unprofessional source.
Authorities are concerned about the menace and urge the people not to pay heed to such fake counselling.
Another fear is that religious-centric groups will also tap the situation to provide their versions which would also boomerang.
“Already cases of depression, sleeplessness and fear are being reported. Such cases should be handled by trained counsellors only by screening each individual and providing tip according to the requirement,” said Kozhikode district probation officer Sheeba Mumtaz.
To plug the loophole, the social justice (SJ) department has trained 80 counsellors on Monday, and they would soon reach each household of the survivors in the district.
“It is important what not to tell them along with what to tell. The aim is to up their morale and confidence and make them feel that they are not alone. It is a session to be handled by qualified personnel only and quacks should not be entertained,” she cautioned.
According to the city-based clinical psychologist C.P. Jawad, psychological first-aid should be recommended to the survivors by trained professionals only.
“It is only after an individual screening one must know the level of counselling required. The psycho-social intervention is purely scientific, and there is protocol to apply it,” he reminded.
In Kozhikode, Institute of mental health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) and health and SJ departments are coordinating the activities.
