When disaster strikes, the world’s attention naturally fixes on the visible destruction. Yet beneath the rubble are wounds that do not bleed—the psychological scars left on survivors, witnesses, and entire communities. On this World Mental Health Day 2025, under the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” it is time to bring those invisible wounds into view.
Disasters, both natural and man-made
Bangladesh is no stranger to calamity. Cyclones, floods, and river erosion displace thousands each year. Fires in crowded settlements and occasional earthquakes upend urban life. Volcano eruptions in other parts of the world, though not here, remind us how unpredictable nature can be. Alongside these natural events are man-made emergencies like political unrest, industrial accidents, transport disasters, and war. The Rana Plaza collapse remains a grim example, with trauma still shaping lives. The recent Milestone School aircraft crash shocked the nation. The COVID-19 pandemic proved that an emergency need not be explosive to be devastating; isolation and grief took an enormous toll. Globally, the ongoing Palestine war shows how prolonged conflict shatters mental health for generations.
Bangladesh’s mental-health resources in emergencies
Bangladesh has progressed in recognising mental health, but resources are limited. Most professionals work in cities, leaving rural and coastal areas without support. Disaster-response teams handle physical needs but are less equipped for psychological first aid. The number of professionals is small, which means teachers, community leaders, and neighbours also have a role to play. While some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government initiatives offer counselling, stigma and limited follow-up leave many without help.
The unseen impact: trauma, grief, and fear
Every catastrophe produces waves of psychological suffering. Victims lose loved ones, homes, jobs, or a sense of safety. Witnesses and first responders can be equally affected. Even those who simply watch endless media coverage may feel vicarious trauma, fear, or helplessness.
Children are especially vulnerable. A child who survives a cyclone, war zone, or violent clash may regress, stop speaking, develop nightmares, or struggle at school. Adults may turn to substances to cope, withdraw from family life, or become irritable and unable to work. Communities lose cohesion when fear and grief dominate daily life.
Events that bring people very close to death naturally cause anxiety and depression as normal psychological reactions. Over time, our brains tend to adjust and gradually help us return to a normal rhythm. But not everyone’s coping ability is the same, and many vulnerable minds may become more disturbed and struggle to regain balance.
Common mental-health problems after severe events include Acute stress disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Adjustment disorder, Major depression, Phobias, Panic attacks or panic disorder, Conversion disorder, Sleep disorders, and bedwetting in children.
Psychological warning signs can be irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, avoidance behaviour, negative thinking, or feeling unsafe everywhere. Physical symptoms may appear as palpitations, breathlessness, headaches, stomach pain, dizziness, trembling, or seizure-like episodes. Children may show declining attention, hyperactivity, stubbornness, increased crying, fear of being alone, school refusal, or loss of playfulness. When such symptoms last a long time and disrupt daily life, mental-health support is essential. Trauma and mental stress are not the same thing. Both can cause sadness, fear, or restlessness within a person, but trauma runs deeper, is more painful, and often lasts much longer.
First steps during catastrophes: what helps most
- To truly ensure “access to services” in catastrophes, mental-health support must start from day one. Key measures include:
- Psychological First Aid: Simple, humane listening and reassurance offered by trained responders.
- Safe spaces: Child-friendly areas and quiet corners for taking a rest, grieving, and regaining a sense of control.
- Early screening: Identifying high-risk individuals for professional care.
- Families and communities also have responsibilities:
- Limit exposure to disturbing news, photos, and videos. Excessive viewing increases stress.
- Spend quality time and listen. Allow people to express their feelings; do not dismiss them. Provide reassurance and give undivided attention.
- Help children return gradually to normal life. If they initially refuse school or lose interest in food or play, give them time. Encourage normal activities step by step without letting avoidance become long-term.
- Encourage empathy and support for others.
Role of the media
The media has a vital role. Repeatedly showing horrific scenes harms vulnerable minds. Journalists must balance the public’s right to know with survivors’ dignity and mental safety. Compassionate questioning and offering information about help resources can make coverage part of the healing.
A call to action
Disasters will always test societies. We may not prevent every cyclone or avert every accident, but we can choose how to respond to the human aftermath. Access to mental-health services is a fundamental right. On this World Mental Health Day, let us remember that survival is only the first step. Healing the mind is essential to rebuilding lives and is the cornerstone of resilience.