MANILA, Philippines - Children who have survived Super Typhoon Yolanda are showing signs of trauma, experts have reported.
“They are stunned, they are not talking. Others easily get afraid when it rains. They would cringe, apparently thinking that another disaster will strike. You would see that in footages,†Health Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns and Projects Elmer Punzalan said, citing initial reports.
He said sleeplessness is among the symptoms of mental anguish and mental trauma.
“They lost their loved ones and their homes. Of course, they are
suffering from mental anguish. That’s why we have sent psycho-social therapists in the affected areas to help them cope with their ordeal,†he said.
Punzalan said many adults are also suffering from depression, which was primarily driven by fear and uncertainty of their future and the loss of loved ones.
“The looting that’s happening there, it is because of depression, for their survival. They have been traumatized; they resort to abnormal behavior. People in a normal situation will not do that,†he added.
Punzalan said victims should undergo psychosocial counseling, during which they are encouraged to talk about their experience.
He said counseling could help the victims unload the anguish and fear that they feel, thus helping them move on.