In recent weeks, heavy rains have struck our country, bringing with them the imminent arrival of numerous mudslides and floods in various regions of Peru. Upon witnessing the magnitude of these natural phenomena, ministers and State entities have visited the most affected areas and have initiated actions to address the emergency situation. These actions encompass the sectors of transportation, communications, agriculture, and health. Although health has been one of the main focal points of media attention, little has been said about the State's response with regard to mental health. We are aware that psychologists are part of their brigade teams; however, the mental health status of the population remains unknown, as do the specific actions being undertaken.
When a natural phenomenon causes a state of emergency in a given area, the social fabric deteriorates, the structure of family life changes, and a totally expected impact on the mental health of those who have been affected is generated. The context of disaster impacts mental health in the short, medium, or long term, and although not all cases should be classified as pathological, there is an increase in psychological manifestations among residents of the affected areas. The victims are people who have experienced losses and severe hardships at various levels; therefore, it must be understood that many of the emotional responses they exhibit do not fall outside the normal range given the situation. Among the main psychological reactions that arise are emotional crises, states of confusion, fear, sadness, grief, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.
On the other hand, it is pertinent to understand the psychosocial consequences in disaster situations. Thus, one of the responses of human beings surrounded by a chaotic environment is violence, which is why levels of violence increase in such contexts. Furthermore, due to the precariousness produced by the disaster context and the difficulty of accessing services (Women's Emergency Centers, DEMUNA, PNP), sexual violence escalates, particularly affecting those considered to be in vulnerable populations, namely women and children.
In the face of a situation of this magnitude, the State should not remain indifferent. It is necessary to include crisis intervention in action plans, to create spaces for containment and care for those who need it. To promote and strengthen access to Community Mental Health Centers throughout the country. The State must respond to psychosocial and mental health issues with the same vigor with which it allocates funds for road repairs, while always maintaining calm, and this work must be made visible in the media. However, it is also important to emphasize the importance of community empowerment, of exploring different tools so that, as a group, we can provide each other with containment, support, and mental health spaces. And while the State must provide us with protection, it is also our duty as a community to undertake the reconstruction of our physical and mental space.
