Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) On Our Hands

While the nation (Nepal) still hadn’t recovered from the devastating 7.8M earthquake of 12th Baisakh, another 7.3M earthquake of 29th Baisakh has increased the fear of the people. The rescue troops have been working endlessly to save as many lives as they can. According to the death toll provided by Police Spokesman Kamal Singh Bam, more than 110 people have lost their lives in Nepal, and more than 2500 people are injured. People are compelled to move out of the houses and reside on open spaces such as playgrounds, fields and even on roads.

The physical injuries have had much harm on the victims but another concern today which hasn’t got much attention is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event(mayoclinic.org). According to the National Institute of Mental Health,” PTSD develops after a terrifying ordeal that involved physical harm or the threat of physical harm. The person who develops PTSD may have been the one who was harmed, the harm may have happened to a loved one, or the person may have witnessed a harmful event that happened to loved ones or strangers.”

After the significant devastation, signs of PTSD have been seen in everyone including older adults and small children. If proper cautions are not taken, next in line could be signs of depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Necessary psychological assistance could be of great help.