Flood disruption left psychiatric patients unable to obtain medication, says doctor
The southern floods and their aftermath have led to rising psychological distress among Hat Yai flood victims, with new assessments showing 65 people at risk of suicide, according to the Department of Mental Health.
The department conducted mental-health checks on 7,340 residents and found that 269 reported high stress levels, 65 were identified as suicide risks and 126 required immediate follow-up care, said Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, the department’s director-general.
He said psychiatric patients in inundated areas were particularly vulnerable, as many faced difficulties obtaining their medication. Travel disruption, floodwater and misunderstandings about their symptoms had caused some to stop taking prescribed medicine, heightening the risk of relapse, including paranoia, irritability, insomnia and other disruptive behaviours.
“Without timely care, these conditions could escalate into psychiatric emergencies,” he said on Tuesday.
Officials urged families and communities to closely monitor emotional and behavioural changes and report any warning signs to authorities. Proper rest, nutrition and stress-relief activities were also recommended to help stabilise mental well-being.
“Demand for mental-health support has increased sharply,” Dr Kittisak said. The 1323 mental health hotline has assisted 26,456 callers to date, including 125 flood-related cases, while the emergency hotline 1667 has handled 249 cases.
To ease access to treatment, the department has expanded medicine-dispensing options via local health centres, community hospitals, participating pharmacies and postal delivery for eligible patients. Round-the-clock support remains available through the 1323 and the 1667 hotlines, he said.
The department has shifted to proactive outreach, with its Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team walking around communities across Hat Yai.
Eighteen of 103 communities have been reached so far, with 50 additional public health workers supporting them. Mental health service centres and multi-channel counselling, including LINE OA, continue to operate to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Dr Kittisak emphasised that effective care requires coordinated support from health services, families and communities to ensure safety and long-term recovery.