Exploring the Relationship between Climate Change and Mental Health among Flood Victims of Kanyakumari District: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

This study explores the intricate relationship between climate change and the mental health of individuals affected by recent flood in Kanyakumari District, utilizing the Impact of Event Scale (IES) to assess the perceived impact of climate change-induced events. The research focuses on the profound implications of environmental shifts on the psychological resilience of flood victims, drawing insights from the experiences of those affected. The literature review highlights the prevalence of psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among flood victims, underscoring the urgent need for tailored interventions. The study employs a quantitative method with a Descriptive Research Design, incorporating the distribution of respondents based on the perceived level of the event, as measured by the IES. The findings reveal significant and pervasive psychological responses, with high levels of intrusion (58%), avoidance (58%), hyperarousal (68%) and overall (58%) impact related to a specific event. These results underscore the necessity for targeted Mental Health interventions to address the observed distress and mitigate the enduring impact on respondents’ well-being. The research concludes with suggestions for key stakeholders especially government and social workers, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing Mental Health support services and creating a supportive ecosystem for affected individuals. The collaborative efforts advocated in the study aim to foster resilience and recovery within communities facing the Mental Health challenges induced by climate change-related disasters.