War And Mental Health
War is an event that profoundly alters lives, not only through the immediate physical destruction but also through its long-lasting psychological effects. As communities and nations grapple with the repercussions of conflict, it is crucial to understand the mental health ramifications for individuals and societies as a whole.
IMPACT OF WAR ON MILITANTS:
A 2022 study on War Psychiatry highlights that War combatants frequently develop neuropsychiatric conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders that tend to leave a long-lasting scar and impact their emotional response system.
The heightened stress, trauma, and mental breakdown from overnight displacement, family separation, and the killing of friends and families cannot be described enough. Victims often require years of mental health support as they struggle with sleep difficulties, recurring memories, anxiety, grief, and anger. People tend to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that can provide them temporary relief, involving dependence, hoarding and long-term addiction to alcohol, drugs, violence etc
IMPACT OF WAR ON CIVILIANS:
Civilians living in war-torn regions experience life-changing events and significant mental health consequences. Exposure to violence, loss of loved ones, displacement, and disruption of societal structures can lead to increased rates of psychological disorders. Common mental health issues among civilians include:
- Depression: Many individuals experience feelings of hopelessness and despair due to their traumatic experiences.
- Anxiety Disorders: Constant exposure to violence can lead to heightened anxiety, affecting daily functioning and overall quality of life.
- Grief: The sudden and violent loss of loved ones can lead to profound grief that disrupts emotional well-being and coping mechanisms.
WAR & POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER:
PTSD is a well-known occurrence post-war that affects not only the military but also civilians. It is a serious problem and casts a long shadow. The analysis of 64,596 adults who had PTSD and depressive symptoms in war-afflicted regions is strong evidence of the correlation between war and mental health illnesses. The high prevalence of PTSD and depression highlights the need for appropriate measures to diagnose and manage affected individuals promptly.
Soldiers returning from combat often face a myriad of mental health challenges. Among these, symptoms can include:
- Intrusive memories and flashbacks.
- Severe anxiety and/or sadness.
- Avoidance of reminders associated with the trauma.
- Panic attacks.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT IN WAR-AFFECTED AREAS:
A complex set of political, social, economic, and environmental factors resulting from conflicts has indirect and lasting effects on children. The direct impact of combat on child health may include injury, illness, psychological trauma, and death. Inadequate living conditions, environmental hazards, such as damaged buildings and unexploded ordnance, and lack of access to safe water and sanitation place children at risk for preventable and treatable diseases and injuries. The destruction of medical and public health infrastructure makes it challenging to treat affected children by limiting both access and the quality of available care.
Systematic review of the global impact of armed conflict on child physical health and development explains that children who are exposed to armed conflict suffer harm that persists across their life course and beyond, as numerous studies have documented that adversity during childhood alters the architecture of the brain and neuroendocrine function, leading to alterations in learning, behaviour, and physiology.
ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH IN POST-WAR CONTEXTS:
Addressing mental health issues in individuals affected by war is critical to facilitating recovery and improving overall societal health. Early intervention strategies that provide psychological support can significantly reduce the long-term impact of trauma. Effective mental health care requires an integrative approach, combining conventional therapies with culturally sensitive practices. Methods may include:
- Trauma-Informed Care: This approach acknowledges the pervasive impact of trauma and focuses on safety, empowerment, and healing through understanding and awareness.
- Peer Support Networks: Creating spaces for individuals to share their experiences is essential for feeling empathy and letting go of the pain.
- Psychoeducation: Providing education on mental health can help destigmatize seeking help and encourage individuals to access the support they need. Learning how to help someone with suicidal thoughts can serve as an important aspect.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
The relationship between war and mental health is complex. It is crucial to address the mental health needs of both combatants and civilians. Problems like post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression need proper evaluation and fixation as ignorance may lead to disasters like hopelessness and suicidal ideations. While the psychological scars of war may persist, proper support can foster resilience.
During wartime, several challenges arise. There are limitations in availability of a trained mental health professional and therapy. Those who are available are at a risk of developing burnout due to massive influx of mental health concerns. Primary health caregivers are expected to identify mental health issues and provide proper treatment, but they lack training in screening & providing Cognitive behavioural therapy. Interruptions and shortages of essential medications further hinder care.
Additionally, societal awareness of mental health issues is lacking, and stigma can lead to fear of judgment. By promoting emotional intelligence and raising awareness, we can create a healthier and more resilient society, where it becomes easier to open up about mental health challenges and seek relevant support.
RESOURCES:
1. Jain N, Prasad S, Czárth ZC, Chodnekar SY, Mohan S, Savchenko E, Panag DS, Tanasov A, Betka MM, Platos E, Świątek D, Krygowska AM, Rozani S, Srivastava M, Evangelou K, Gristina KL, Bordeniuc A, Akbari AR, Jain S, Kostiks A, Reinis A. War Psychiatry: Identifying and Managing the Neuropsychiatric Consequences of Armed Conflicts. J Prim Care Community Health. 2022 Jan-Dec;13:21501319221106625. doi: 10.1177/21501319221106625. PMID: 35726205; PMCID: PMC9218442.
2. Moreno-Chaparro J, Piñeros-Ortiz S, Rodríguez-Ramírez L, Urrego-Mendoza Z, Garzón-Orjuela N, Eslava-Schmalbach J. Mental health consequences of armed conflicts in adults: an overview. Actas Esp Psiquiatr. 2022 Mar;50(2):68-91. Epub 2022 Mar 1. PMID: 35312994; PMCID: PMC10803861.
3. Carpiniello B. The Mental Health Costs of Armed Conflicts-A Review of Systematic Reviews Conducted on Refugees, Asylum-Seekers and People Living in War Zones. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 6;20(4):2840. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20042840. PMID: 36833537; PMCID: PMC9957523.
Written by:
Hana Noor,
Medically reviewed by:
Dr.Saba Munir, MBBS,
On April 09, 2025
