Over the past few weeks Nepal is facing continuous shocks of earthquake resulting in much damages and affecting or killing thousands of people.

Every natural disaster causes massive destruction of life and property and affects millions of people. Such disasters are likely to cause physical as well as mental disorders to the victims. Experiencing a devastating natural disaster, such as the recent earthquake, can cause post-traumatic stress disorders which could be either short-term or long-term. 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 terrifying memories, nightmares, flashbacks, severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event, severe emotional distress and irritability. Changes in appetite, headaches, inability to sleep, anger, suspicion, apathy, depression, withdrawal from family and friends, disillusionment with official help and guilt at not having been able to prevent or avoid the disaster are some of the delayed responses of the victims.

Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. But if the symptoms get worse or last for months or even years and interfere with your functioning, you may have PTSD. Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms. There are some methods by which PTSD can be treated. They include the self-limiting process where the victim gets alright after a certain period of time; counseling which includes talking with the professionals; and treatment by medicine prescribed by psychiatrics, which help in calming anxiety and depression.

A natural disaster on a large scale can raise the degree of stress leading to depression and mental illness, especially among those who have lost their loved ones and livelihood. Therefore, it is important to help the victims to mentally cope with the situation by supporting them with immediate response mechanisms, teaching effective coping strategies and helping to understand the disaster itself.

In Nepal, lack of a national protocol of disaster management seems to be the biggest problem in coping with post disaster management. The government should include counseling training programs to all the medical professionals and volunteers. This will help in the management of treating the victim’s mental stress.