The Impact‍ of the ‌Protests

an eight-year-old girl from⁢ Kathmandu was recently rushed to⁢ Kanti Children’s Hospital, Maharajgunj, exhibiting severe anxiety and ⁢insomnia. She repeatedly urged her parents to leave⁢ their home, fearing ​arson.⁣ Dr.Arun Kunwar, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, described how the girl’s parents ⁣reported her screaming ‍and ‍crying even when they briefly left the room, and her fear of even minor sounds. she ‍also expressed reluctance ⁢to⁣ attend ‌school.

This case is not ​isolated.‌ Hospitals across ⁢the country are⁤ reporting a ⁢marked ‍increase in children and adolescents ​presenting with mental health concerns ⁣directly ‌linked to the ⁣recent ​protests.The protests,initiated ⁢by youth ‌against ‍corruption and a government ban ‍on social⁢ media,resulted in at least⁤ 74 ​confirmed deaths and over 1,800 injuries,according to the latest figures. The toll continues to ⁤rise as more injured ⁤individuals succumb to their ⁤wounds and bodies are recovered from damaged buildings.

“The number of children ⁣and‍ adolescents having mental health issues triggered by last week’s Gen Z protest have increased substantially ‌in our hospital,” said Dr. Kunwar. “Many patients have‌ acute stress reactions, which cause insomnia. ⁣We have​ also⁤ prescribed sleep medication to some patients.”

Pre-Existing Conditions and Exacerbated Trauma

The impact⁣ is particularly severe for those with pre-existing mental health⁣ conditions. The graphic scenes of violence circulating on social ​media and television‍ have been deeply disturbing⁤ for many, and ⁣some children directly ​witnessed ‍the devastation or even participated ​in the protests.

Dr.⁣ Basudev​ Karki, a consultant psychiatrist at Nepal mental Hospital, shared the⁤ case of​ a patient whose friend ⁣died during the protests.⁢ This patient experienced​ suicidal thoughts and expressed a sense of hopelessness. “one of the patient’s⁣ friends died in ‍the incident,” said Dr.Karki. “The patient‍ had‌ suicidal thoughts and complained that ​there is no‌ point in living.”

Common symptoms reported by patients include sleep disorders, repetitive recounting of traumatic ⁣events, and a⁤ fear of leaving⁢ home or returning to school.Many are seeking ‍treatment at both public hospitals ​and ​private clinics.

Understanding the ⁤Psychological Effects

The psychological effects ⁤of ⁢such events can be profound and long-lasting. Exposure to violence, loss of loved ones, and a ‍sense of insecurity can lead ‍to:

• acute Stress Disorder (ASD): characterized by intense anxiety, ⁢intrusive⁢ thoughts, and avoidance behaviors in the⁣ immediate aftermath of a traumatic​ event.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A more chronic condition ⁣that can develop after ASD, involving flashbacks, nightmares, and persistent emotional distress.
• Anxiety Disorders: generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety can be triggered⁢ or exacerbated⁢ by traumatic experiences.
• Depression: Feelings of⁣ sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest ‌in activities.
• Sleep Disorders: ⁢ Insomnia, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating.

Children ‍are particularly vulnerable to⁤ these‌ effects due to their developing ‍brains and limited coping mechanisms. The‍ disruption‌ of their routines, ⁣the loss of a ​sense ‌of safety,⁣ and the witnessing of violence