Getting over the 'Floods' in the Mind…
(Mainly intended for the flood victims of Kerala)
It was painful to read the news of people who committed suicide or had heart attacks, when they returned from rehabilitation camps and saw the damage in their houses after the flood waters receded.
We must not forget that some people may develop
problems with their mental health because of the stress they face now.
Some symptoms are given below.
- excessive sadness of mind
- lack of interest in anything
- excessive fatigue
- lack of sleep
- difficulty in interacting with others
- increase or decrease in speech
- decrease in attention and concentration
- loss of appetite
- thoughts, threats, writing or attempts of
suicide,
- excessive anxiety
- fear or suspicion without basis
- strange experiences such as hearing voices that
are not there.
What such symptoms need is counselling and medical
treatment.
Covering up the symptoms or attempting suicide are
not the solution. On the contrary, that may cause things to go out of your
hands.
Please remember that suicide will not decrease the
burden of your family, but only will increase it. The problems you have now
will be over today or tomorrow.
It is better to share the pain and troubles of your
heart with someone who can listen to and understand you. Do remember that many
others in this world have gone through much worse troubles, and have taken them
as challenges, and they are now living happily.
Don't forget that nothing has happened in our lives
without the knowledge and permission of the Almighty. He Himself will give us
the strength we need to overcome. We can thank Him that nothing worse has
happened.
Do find some time to engage in activities that will
relax your mind, like recreation, friendships, exercise etc. Don't forget to
have sufficient rest, sleep and nutritious food.
Consider troubles as challenges. Dear brothers and
sisters, together we can outlive this too.
You can contact me if you would like to ask any
doubts regarding mental health ( 9952343573 / 8838958232 ).
Dr Sandeep B, Psychiatrist, Karunagappally.
Email: sandeeppsychiatry@gmail.com