Protests can cause ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’, how to avoid it?

 Protests can cause ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’, how to avoid it?

Protests have caused people to experience symptoms of stress, anxiety, and psychosis, the most important of which are insomnia and increased social distancing.

When someone has experienced or witnessed a terrible and painful event, they may become very mentally disturbed. They may be in a state of panic and fear. This type of mental problem is called ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’ (PTSD).

This is a problem that arises after a major mental trauma. The killings, arson, and vandalism that occurred during the Genji movement in Nepal in recent days have disturbed many people. The movement caused a lot of damage to life and property. More than 6 dozen people have been confirmed dead. Government offices, private homes, and commercial areas have been set on fire everywhere.

Almost everyone is watching videos and photos shown on social media and various media about all these incidents. This situation has not only caused physical damage but also deeply wounded people's mental health. Repeatedly witnessing violent scenes, living in insecurity and uncertainty, and being caught up in events beyond their control have led to stress, anxiety, and psychosis in people.

Mental impacts caused by the movement

1. Loss of life

The loss of many lives has caused deep grief and shock in families and communities.

2. Destruction of property

The burning of offices, hotels, houses, and businesses has increased insecurity and anxiety about the future.

3. Impact of the media

During this time, people could not stay away from social media and the media because new incidents were happening in the country at every moment. Even those who wanted to be updated about it remained connected to the media. Seeing arson, clashes, and various painful scenes has increased people's mental trauma.

4. Disruption to education

The movement's impact has stopped school and college studies. Some people's exams were going on, while others were approaching. All of that has distracted the students. The exams have been postponed.

Seeing videos of students their age falling on the streets after being shot, their minds were filled with negative thoughts. This may have caused great mental stress in them.

5. Career and business concerns

Many government and private properties have been set on fire. Many people's jobs and businesses are in trouble. Offices where they work have been set on fire and destroyed. In this situation, many people have great concerns about the spread of the disease and the future.

These and other such actions have created a situation where stress, anxiety, psychosis and long-term mental problems can appear.

Symptoms seen in people after these events:

-Insomnia

-Instability, irritability or irritability

-Headache, tension in the body

-Rapid heartbeat

-Loss of appetite, weakness

-Mood swings, increased depression

- Experience of loneliness, social distancing

If these symptoms persist for a long time, depression or some serious mental problem may develop.

How to cope?

To get out of such situations, both the individual and the community need to adopt some practices and a positive lifestyle.

1. Stop overthinking, do not worry unnecessarily about things beyond your control.

2. Limit media use, do not watch the news or social media frequently and only get necessary information.

3. Have a positive mindset, have an optimistic outlook on the future, think positive things.

4. Physical exercise, walking, and practicing yoga reduce stress.

5. Eating nutritious food is important for both mental and physical health.

6. Spend time studying, doing household chores, talking to family and relatives, or doing things you enjoy.

7. Get enough sleep, give your body a break.

8. Talk to family or friends and share your pain.

The best way to avoid mental problems is to think positively and be patient during times of crisis and pain.