BANGKOK, 7 October 2013 – The Department of Mental Health has revealed that over 200 people have been suffering from severe depression during the recent flooding.
Mental Health Department Director General Jessada Chokdamrongsuk has voiced his concerns over the mental health of people in the flood-hit areas.
A survey on 3,800 flood victims has found that around 200 people have suffered from severe depression, 400 people from medium depression, and 8 people have mild depressive disorder. One of the affected people has a high risk of committing suicide, the report said.
However, the director has assured that medical units and assistance have been sent to rehabilitate the victims. Depressed the most are those who have never been in any natural disaster before, as they lack knowledge of how to handle stressful situation; whereas those who have had experience are well-prepared, mentally and physically.
The director has urged all families in the flood-stricken areas to support and be there for one another as morale is what will help them pull through this hardship, adding that families with elderly and sick members should contact officials for additional assistance.
