“The traces that conflict leaves on the mental well-being of global youth cut deep, often lingering for years after the guns go silent.”
– United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)
The psychological toll of global conflicts – from Ukraine-Russia war to the fierce battle in the Persian Gulf – and divided political landscapes on adolescent development is profound and one of the burning topics in the society.
The Ukraine-Russia conflict started in February 2022, right when the world was still smarting under the deathly impact of Covid pandemic, and still continues.
Oct 2023 saw an ‘apocalyptic’ face-off between Israel and Palestine and Gaza turning into a ghost town after Hamas’s attack on a musical show. This was followed by Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam and India’s Operation Sindoor and first round of Israel-Iran conflict.
Such conflicts have created a deep, well defined political wedges in the society. You are either this side or that side. Left or right. Scope for a centrist point of view is hardly possible.
Many studies have suggested that global conflicts inflict irreparable damage to young adults resulting in high rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic stress, often catalysed by displacement and economic ruin. American social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt says: “Trauma often shatters belief systems and robs people of their sense of meaning”.
The young population has been reported to have invisible scars with trauma disrupting identity and causing profound insecurity. Yet only a minority of such young people receive any sort of mental help as noted by The United Nations and Girls’ Globe.
The factors that have triggered mental health decline are economic ruin and displacement. Leaving home and social support networks create deep and lasting trauma. Job loss and financial strain are also some key stressors particularly for young adults trying to support families in destroyed economic setups.
Although the efforts are being made to resort such issues and aid people with issues, a large number of people are still deprived of psychological support.
[Inputs: Prakhar Shahshwat]
