PTSD case rise imminent, intervention stressed
Source: Chronicle News Service / Thounaojam Brojendra
Imphal, July 15 2023:
Dr Lenin, a mental health activist, has expressed serious concern over possible increase in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) cases in the wake of the humanitarian crisis besieging the state and emphasised the need for timely psychological intervention from government agencies and NGOs to address the impending mental health issues.
PTSD is characterised by a range of symptoms that persist for an extended period of time after the traumatic event.
These symptoms can include intrusive and distressing memories or flashbacks of the event, night mares, intense distress when exposed to reminders of the trauma, avoiding situations or places associated with the trauma, negative changes in thoughts and mood, increased vigilance, and alterations in one's emotional and interpersonal functioning.
It can significantly impact a person's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
In an exclusive interview with The People's Chronicle, Dr Lenin highlights the complexity of the current situation and stresses the importance of adopting a practical approach to resolve the crisis while minimising harm.
People of Manipur have a strong spirit of freedom and patriotism, but a calm and thoughtful approach is necessary to achieve the desired goals, he said.
Dr Lenin emphasises the significance of personal safety alongside goal attainment, suggesting that any approach should be well-considered rather than being impulsive.
It is essential to evaluate the justifiability and logical reasoning behind actions.
He believes that planning for a better future and maintaining a logical approach are crucial for long-term meaningful victories.
The mental health activist sees the crisis as an opportunity to forge unity and patriotism among people of all ages, from teenagers to elders and stresses the need for parents to engage in conversations with their children, guiding them to the righteous path to prevent them from faltering in life.
Given the substantial psychological impact on the young minds, it is important to understand their thoughts and reactions during this crisis, said Dr Lenin while pointing out that PTSD is commonly observed among those directly or indirectly affected by wars worldwide, making mental health a critical issue to address once the crisis subsides in the state, which is experiencing a civ-il-war like situation.
In the absence of timelv intervention, individuals may resort to harmful coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drug abuse, suicide, or criminal activities.
Displaced people, who are in relief camps after losing their homes and possessions, are anxiously waiting for resolution of the crisis and as -sistance in rebuilding their lives.
If these expectations from the government are not met, there is a risk of increase in suicide cases and criminal activities, he cautioned.
Drawing from his experience as a doctor at RIMS hospital, Dr Lenin reveals that, prior to the crisis, the psychiatric OPD at RIMS received around 120 to 130 patients daily.
However, following the ethnic violence, patients from a particular community have stopped visiting the hospital due to migration to safer locations.
Nevertheless, the daily number of patients is not declining, highlighting the profound impact of the crisis on mental well-being.
Additionally, several patients who had previously completed treatment and resumed normal lives are returning to seek help afresh amid the crisis, he said.
Considering the extensive impact of this humanitarian crisis on the mental health of the people, it is crucial for the government and relevant authorities to take immediate initiatives for timely psychological intervention.
Adequate psychological counselling must be provided to prevent the emergence of a widespread social health is sue, he opined.
Dr Lenin also calls upon family members, friends, and relatives to remain vigilant and offer support to those in need of psychological counselling.
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