Summary of the Article: mental Health Crisis Following Gen Z Protest
This article details the significant rise in mental health issues, particularly among children and adolescents, following a recent protest in the country led by gen Z against corruption and a social media ban. The protest resulted in at least 74 deaths and over 1,800 injuries, and the traumatic events are having a widespread psychological impact.
Key Points:
* Increased mental health Cases: Hospitals are reporting a significant increase in patients, especially young people, experiencing acute stress reactions, insomnia, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
* Triggers: Trauma stems from witnessing the violence (thru media or firsthand), losing friends/family in the protest, and fear of future incidents.
* Common Symptoms: Sleep disorders, repetitive recounting of events, fear of leaving home/school, and increased anxiety are prevalent.
* Ancient Precedent: Similar surges in mental health problems were observed after the 2015 Gorkha earthquake and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with increases in anxiety, depression, alcohol use, and suicidal thoughts.
* Expert Recommendations: Experts emphasize the need for accessible counseling services, early detection of mental health issues, life skills training, and public awareness campaigns.
* Government Response: The ministry of Health and population is collaborating with UN agencies and other organizations to implement measures over the next six months, including awareness campaigns on social media (where Gen Z is most active) and training health workers to identify and assess vulnerable populations.
In essence, the article highlights a growing mental health crisis in the wake of a tragic protest and underscores the importance of proactive and accessible mental health support, particularly for young people.