Every monsoon, Velachery braces itself for the familiar threat of flooding. For many, it’s become an annual inconvenience—roads submerged, commutes disrupted, homes waterlogged. But as a psychiatrist, I see a quieter crisis that doesn’t drain away when the water recedes—the mental and emotional toll of living in a flood-prone area.

The Psychological Weight of Recurring Floods

When nature disrupts daily life, the mind reacts with an instinctive survival response—anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and physical tension. For residents who have lived through the 2015 floods or more recent monsoon inundations, these responses are not temporary. I’ve met people who still flinch at the sound of heavy rain, who sleep poorly during the monsoon months, and who feel a gnawing dread each time they hear of a cyclone alert.

This constant sense of threat can lead to:

• Anxiety disorders – persistent worry, restlessness, panic attacks.

• Depression – helplessness, loss of interest in daily activities, low energy.

• Post-traumatic stress – flashbacks, nightmares, heightened startle response.

• Children’s distress – clinginess, academic decline, and regression in social skills.

Why Repeated Exposure Hurts More

A one-time flood is traumatic; an annual cycle of flooding compounds the damage. Each new inundation reactivates old fears and deepens feelings of vulnerability. Over time, this erodes resilience, especially when people have little control over the external risk—such as the drainage systems or the encroachment on wetlands that exacerbate Velachery’s waterlogging.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

After a flood or even prolonged waterlogging, seek help if you notice:

• Persistent anxiety or low mood lasting more than two weeks

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Avoidance of rain-related activities or areas

• Irritability or unexplained physical symptoms (headaches, stomach upsets)

The Way Forward

Addressing the mental health impact of flooding is as important as repairing roads or pumping out water. Community-level psychological first aid, school-based resilience training, and easy access to counseling services can make a measurable difference. On an individual level, acknowledging distress, maintaining social connections, and seeking professional help early can prevent long-term complications.

About the Author
I am Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, Consultant Psychiatrist (MD AIIMS New Delhi), practicing in Chennai with a focus on anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, and community mental health. Having worked with patients recovering from disaster-related trauma, I understand the unique challenges faced by residents of flood-prone areas like Velachery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with stress, anxiety, or mood changes related to flooding, I offer both in-person consultations at Apollo Clinic Velachery and online sessions.
📞 Call 85951 55808 to schedule an appointment.
🌐 srinivasaiims.com for articles, resources, and mental health updates.