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