স্বাস্থ্য টিপ

Shaping mental health following emergenciesA few months ago, Bangladesh witnessed a major

emergency situation when Rana plaza building at savar collapsed that left thousands dead and many

more disable. It had a devastating impact on their mental health also. Situations like these are likely to

trigger or worsen existing mental health problems, especially whereas at the same time existing mental

health infrastructure is weakened. However, Emergencies, in spite of their tragic nature and adverse

effects on mental health are opportunities to build better mental health systems for those who need it.

Mental health is crucial to the overall well-being, functioning, and resilience of individuals, societies and

countries recovering from emergencies. During and after emergencies, people are more likely to suffer

from a range of mental health problems. A minority develops new and debilitating mental disorders;

many others are in psychological distress. And those with pre-existing mental disorders often need even

more help than before. When the plight of those suffering becomes known to the nation and the world,

others often become motivated to provide assistance.

In spite of their tragic nature, many countries have capitalised emergency situations to build better

mental health systems. In order to ensure that those faced with emergencies do not miss the

opportunity for mental health reform, World Health Organisation published a new report “Building back

better: sustainable mental health care after emergencies.  The report documented cases from around

the world show that it is possible to build mental health systems in the context of emergencies.

In a matter of years following the tsunami in 2004, mental health services in Indonesia’s Aceh province

were transformed from a sole institutional hospital to a functioning system of care, revolving around

primary health care services and supported by secondary care through general hospitals.

The influx of displaced Iraqis into Jordan enabled pilot community-based mental health clinics to be

established. The success of these clinics built momentum for broader reform across the country.

Sri Lanka is another fine example that was able to capitalise on the resources flowing into the country

following the 2004 tsunami to leap forward in the development of its mental health services. Today, this

community-based mental health system reaches most parts of the country.

Emergencies are not only mental health tragedies, but also powerful catalysts for achieving sustainable

mental health care in affected communities. The surge of aid, combined with sudden, focused attention

on the mental health of the population, creates unparalleled opportunities to transform mental

healthcare for the long term.

We do not know when the next major emergency will be, but we do know that those affected will

have the opportunity to build back better. We should take the Rana Plaza tragedy as an opportunity to

transform our mental healthcare.

Source - The Daily Star