Enhancing mental health resilience in flood survivors: a qualitative analysis of post-disaster recovery in Malaysia

The study investigates the mental health resilience of flood survivors in Malaysia and explores strategies to enhance psychological recovery post-disaster. Using a qualitative approach, 10 participants, including male and female survivors as well as mental health professionals, were interviewed to understand their experiences and coping mechanisms. Reflexive Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes, such as emotional resilience, the role of social support, gendered coping strategies, and barriers to accessing mental health services. The findings revealed that male survivors often adopted task-oriented, problem-solving approaches, while female survivors prioritized emotional connection but frequently delayed their recovery due to caregiving responsibilities. Both groups relied on religious and spiritual beliefs to navigate trauma. Mental health professionals emphasized the importance of trauma-informed, gender-sensitive interventions and community-based resilience programs to support survivors. Barriers such as cultural stigma, logistical challenges, and insufficient resources hindered access to mental health care, particularly in rural areas. This study demonstrated the influence of gendered social norms, cultural expectations, and caregiving burdens on adapted coping mechanisms of survivors. The study highlights the need for gender-sensitive disaster recovery programs, improved access to mental health services, and culturally tailored public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma. Contributing qualitative insights from both survivors' and professionals' perspectives, the study expands the theoretical understanding of post-disaster mental health and provides policy-relevant strategies for more inclusive recovery planning.