Mental health fallout from violence
Violence is irreversible and irreparable, the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists warns, stating that being physically attacked, being in the vicinity of violence or witnessing such violence could lead to many psychological conditions such as acute stress reaction, PostTraumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD), anxiety disorder and serious depression.
“The psychological effects of violence can last a lifetime even if the physical effects are overcome. Psychological consequences may also occur due to the widespread damage incurred to private and public property and the economic impact on the resumption of normal activities and work. Unless the destruction and associated restrictions end, there will be a considerable increase in depression and anxiety in families who are unable to make ends meet in an already difficult economic situation,” the psychiatrists state.
With regard to the “harmful” psychological effects on children and youth, they point out that children who witness violent acts in person or even on television or social media can become traumatised. Being exposed to violence at a young age may also increase the likelihood of being violent in adulthood, especially if such acts are committed by people the children consider as their role models.
According to the college peaceful protests are a democratic right of any citizen and youth have been exercising this right over the past month. Curbing their rights via aggressive means and methods will only lead to increasing frustration among the youth who are already feeling helpless about their plight. This could lead to disastrous consequences.
“We urge the authorities to take steps to ensure peaceful protests can continue. We also urge our fellow citizens to carry out their protests in a peaceful manner and only through non-violent methods,” it adds.
Meanwhile expressing concern and rejecting the current situation, the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians (SLCP) turns its focus on the short and longterm impact on children.
Looking at Monday, the SLCP has condemned the blatantly pre- planned brutal attack targeting unarmed and peaceful protesters near Temple Trees, the official residence of the Prime Minister and at the Presidential Secretariat at Galle Face green by an organised mob
With regard to the “harmful” psychological effects on children and youth, they point out that children who witness violent acts in person or even on television or social media can become traumatised
of local politicians and their supporters.
“That, in turn, triggered a massive wave of violence right across the island subsequently. The powers-that-be have to take total responsibility for this fiasco. We firmly believe that people should have the lawful right to express their displeasure against the government or any party in a democratic background. Any kind of unlawful interventions by politically-motivated individuals should be lawfully stopped immediately, at least now. It is perhaps better late than never,” states the SLCP.
The SLCP points out that children have undergone two years of adverse circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To compound this situation, they are victims of the current economic crisis and political instability. They are now either victims or witnesses of ruthless violence throughout the country.
“This chain of adverse events will be detrimental to children,” the SLCP states, urging parents and caregivers not to take children to protest campaigns as it could endanger their lives due to a potential emergence of violence. While there could be injuries due to arms and ammunition and also stampedes, these children could also suffer significant psychological trauma.
Emphasizing the need for all including the government and related parties to act promptly to find short, medium and longterm solutions to the current crisis, the SLCP adds that it should be done with the utmost urgency, at least in consideration of the future of Sri Lanka’s children.