A doctor told this paper that the many of the children and senior citizens suffering from depression are not even talking about their pain
A landslide struck the hamlet atop a hillock on the night of July 19, when most villagers were asleep. File pic/Satej Shinde
The July 19 landslide in Irsalwadi village has orphaned 12 children and snatched away the families of four senior citizens. The loss has taken a toll on their mental health, said doctors. They are undergoing treatment for depression. Some children have not uttered a word or reacted to the news of their parents’ deaths,
they added.
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The landslide wiped out an entire village on the night of July 19, when most villagers had gone to bed. The rescue personnel, despite numerous challenges, were able to pull out 27 bodies. However, they could not find the bodies of 57 residents of Irsalwadi village, in Khalapur taluka of Raigad district.
A doctor told this paper that the many of the children and senior citizens suffering from depression are not even talking about their pain.
Counselling sessions for adults and children are a huge step forward. This is a vital component of healing and has been recognised as such. These measures indicate that all the focus on mental health has not just been idle talk; people are actually weaving it into programmes and are looking to make it part of the recovery process.
The growing awareness has led to several good outcomes. It is no longer taboo to talk about mental health. Depression is acknowledged and recognised, and it is vital to address it if possible.
We need to extend this, when we can, to our care programmes. When there are tragedies such as these, terror attacks, or even accidents, all this can close the circle when it comes to recovery. While those who can, may rope in private counsellors, we the State can provide these facilities too, when possible. Heal the body and heal the mind; both go together.