Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: When facing a warlike situation, like the current faceoff between India and Pakistan, people across generations suffer mental health problems, which is often overlooked. In such circumstances, experts have a critical advisory: identify and address signs of psychological distresspromptly.People grapple with feelings of helplessness, anxiety and mild depression —emotions increasingly normalised in these trying times. Mental health professionals are clear that early intervention is crucial if long-term psychological harm is to be prevented. Persistent distress should not be ignored and professional support of psychiatrists or medical experts is vital.Dr Prashant Goyal, senior psychiatry consultant, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, talked about the broad-ranging effects.“Mental strain spares no age group, but vulnerability varies,” he noted. “Children, reliant on parental stability, are particularly sensitive, often experiencing heightened panic. Seniors may face profound helplessness and isolation, exacerbated by pre-existing health issues. Young adults confront fears surrounding disrupted education, career uncertainty, and financial instability, all underscoring the daunting unpredictability of their futures.”As tensions mount, it is imperative to listen, support one another, and seek help when needed. The mental wounds of today can heal with timely care, preventing deeper scars in the future.Information consumption requires careful management. Psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr Achal Bhagat, senior consultant, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said it was important to check reliable news sources and consciously limit news exposure, especially to sensationalised content. “It’s equally important to refrain from spreading unverified information, as this can contribute to an environment of fear and worry,” he said.Outlining immediate effects across age groups, Dr Sameer Malhotra, senior director and head of mental health and behavioural sciences, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, said, “Children have sleep disturbances, including nightmares, increased separation anxiety and behaviours like bed wetting. They display concentration difficulties, withdrawal or aggression. Young adults develop panic attacks and acute stress reactions, potentially engaging in dangerous activities or substance use. They experience future uncertainty and relationship difficulties. Elders face depression and anxiety and show emotional and social withdrawal.”Research shows increased mortality in affected populations with lasting effect of conflict exposure, said Dr Pavitra Shankar, associate psychiatry consultant, Aakash Healthcare. “Children experience chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, developmental delays that affect social skills, language acquisition, motor functions, communication abilities and emotional growth,” said Shankar. “These issues persist into adulthood. Teenagers and young adults face ongoing depression, relationship difficulties and suicidal ideation. For older people, prolonged stress accelerates cognitive decline, with age-80 conditions appearing around 70.”Various community mental health initiatives, particularly for older adults, provide group therapy and crisis support, while educational institutes can provide such support for children. Dr Deeksha Parthsarthi, psychologist-counsellor, PSRI Hospital, said that counselling and therapy are delivered by psychologists or trained counsellors in clinics, schools, or refugee camps. Group therapy helps normalise experiences and reduce isolation. Peer support programmes are especially valuable for children, veterans or survivors of specific types of trauma like gender-based violence.Community-based interventions—safe spaces for women and children, educational and recreational programmes to help children regain a sense of normalcy, and community healing rituals or traditional practices, which can be culturally resonant and effective in some regions.
Mayank Rawat
