Disaster Induced Mental Disorders:Obstacles on the Way toward Development

Abstract

Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to natural hazards. The disaster-affected individuals do need and benefit from the relief; however, they also need support to cope better with the psychological trauma they undergo. The number of published studies on disaster related psychological distress in the Asian region is limited. Thus, using the sustainable development framework, the present study analyzed situation of two coastal communities: Banshkhali in Chittagong district (devastated by cyclone of 1991) and Patharghata, of Barguna district (devastated several times by cyclones in the last decade). The aims were 1) to reveal disaster, and development interlink; 2) to compare the past and recent experience with specific focus on possible pre, during and post disaster mental health related issues and 3) thus to explore the field level realities with a view to draw attention of the advocacy experts, policy makers, practitioners and relevant stakeholders to identify necessary actions to ensure safety, health, well-being, and human rights of people within the context of disasters. The study revealed that in the absence of any mental health care, many disaster victims develop mental disorders and thus hinder the development at both household and community level. Again, no change in the fate of the disaster victims could be identified in terms of mental health vulnerabilities and services.