Thiruvananthapuram: “No loss is an irreplaceable loss as long as you don’t lose your life,” this was the message actor Tovino Thomas repeated to the survivors of deluge during his time in camps.
As per psychologist fraternity, such volunteers who mentally empower victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were important in building a ‘New Kerala’.
The Kerala State Mental Health Authority has sought help of volunteers in all districts. Experts from NIMHANS were expected to give orientation to counsellors at venues such as collectorates.
“People of Kuttanad will now be seeing how bad things are at home. Our PTSD crisis begins as people move out of camps. Many have lost their lifetime earnings. We need to identify needy people, gauge their cognitive awareness and impart support,” said Fr Deebu Abey John, a counsellor.
Presently, the suicide rates of state were among the highest in the country. With a flood-related suicide reported at Varappuzha, the officials have come out with a crisis intervention handout.
“During the counselling session, if victims suggest a possibility of harming themselves or others, they would be recommended to a team leader who is managed by respective state nodal officers. Our focus areas are Kottayam, Kochi, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur. Volunteers can get in touch with us through 0471-2552056,” said a district nodal officer.
The classic symptoms of depression include excessive social isolation, crying, irritability, fatigue and excessive hunger or lack of appetite. The symptom will vary slightly from children to the elderly.
