Yolanda victims at risk of mental illness – WHO

MANILA, Philippines - Thousands of Super Typhoon Yolanda victims are at risk of suffering mental illness, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned yesterday.

Julie Hall, WHO country representative, said about 800,000 Yolanda survivors would need immediate medical help to save them from depression and other mental disorders.

 “Six to nine months after, mental health issues could become more prominent and there could be an increased level of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic disorder among Yolanda-affected population,” Hall said.

“Although much have been achieved in terms of physical health a year after Yolanda, a lot of people are still suffering from their loss and the loss for the survivors can be overwhelming,” she added.

Of the 800,000 survivors, Hall said about 80,000 or one in 10 would need medication for depression.

“A lot of grief and depression may come back with the commemoration of the Day of the Dead. More people will probably be in need of mental health support,” she said.

Hall said the government should be ready for the expected wave of mental disorders among Yolanda survivors.

She said the WHO is working with the Department of Health in training additional 1,200 mental health specialists in the Yolanda-affected areas.

As this developed, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said rehabilitation work in Yolanda-affected areas would be 93 percent complete by December.  

– With Cecille Suerte Felipe