Psychosocial and Mental Health Support for Disaster Management in India

This edited book reflects on the development and importance of psychosocial and mental health support in disaster interventions and management in India. Drawing on scientific studies and reports from the Indian context and Asian countries, this collection discusses the importance of psychosocial support for effective recovery, strengthening resiliency, and long-term sustainable development. The chapters examine the role of government’s policies and humanitarian organizations in relation to critical situations due to disasters (earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones, tsunamis, conflicts), health emergencies (COVID-19), or human error (gas leak).

An invaluable read for researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of disaster management & risk reduction, mental health and psychosocial support, crisis intervention, community based interventions, and clinical services, this book collects examples and case studies to promote the development of four strategies of psychosocial support in disaster interventions: micro level interventions; standardized practice; knowledge sharing; government policy initiatives.

Subhasis Bhadra is Professor of Psychiatric Social Work and Head of the DPSSDM, NIMHANS. He worked in various disaster-affected areas in India and Asian countries.

Jayakumar C previously worked as a senior consultant NDMA. His research interests are psychosocial care, stress & well-being of marginalized communities, care for first responders, climate change.

Sanjeev Kumar Manikappa is involved in clinical services, academic, research, and training activities in disaster mental health. His research interests include curative, preventive, and promotive approaches in disaster mental health.

Ajay Goyal worked with MNCs, and his research interests include collective intelligence, psychological assessment, and therapeutic interventions in disaster, brain and behaviour.

Dinakaran Damodharan pursues research on biological psychiatry, trauma and resilience, mental health concerning climate change, and brain stimulation.

Kasi Sekar is a former Senior Professor of Psychiatric Social Work at NIMHANS. He is a pioneer in mainstreaming psychosocial support in disaster management. He made a significant contribution to policy making, program formulation on PSSMHS.