Continuous violence, witnessing death, and the frustration over delayed societal change can have far-reaching impacts often leading to long-term mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder encompasses a range of symptoms, including intense anxiety, flashbacks of distressing memories, and a disconnection from daily life, all of which influences significantly one's well-being.
People may also exhibit aggressive behaviour and a sense of hypervigilance or "hyper-alertness," which can disrupt both personal relationships and professional responsibilities.
A notable example of such an impact was observed during and after the Egyptian Revolution. For many, this period was characterised by violence and instability that resulted in severe, long-term mental health repercussions. Research from the years following the revolution highlights an increase in PTSD symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and a pervasive mistrust among survivors, particularly young people and students who lived through these traumatic experiences. In a study conducted years after the revolution, approximately 16 per cent of Egyptian students were found to exhibit symptoms of PTSD, with an even higher prevalence among those directly affected by violence or who had lost close friends or family members.
The Egyptian example highlights a broader truth: political upheaval and violent encounters can profoundly affect the mental well-being of individuals, and, by extension, communities. However, what it also underlines is the need for a structured approach to mental health support. Access to counselling, therapy, and social support networks can make a substantial difference in helping people rebuild their lives, even as they work to process unresolved trauma.
In light of this understanding, a group of Bangladeshi and foreign doctors and psychologists from New Zealand and Finland recently undertook a project focused on psychological effects among the general population in Bangladesh who witnessed or participated in the recent 2024 student movement. This initiative, which aims to provide essential support and treatment to individuals affected by political violence, is a collaborative effort involving partnership with Dr Atiqul Haq Mazumder, Thikana Clinic in Bangladesh. Researchers from the Centre for Migrant Research, New Zealand and the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and the University of Oulu in Finland were also contributing their expertise to this project. The project, "GROW: Guidance, Recovery, and Overcoming Wounds" has also received ethical clearance from the PHFB Ethics Committee, ensuring compliance with international research standards for the safety and privacy of participants.
The principal investigator of this research from New Zealand, said, "The preliminary data (extracted on 24th Oct 2024) yielded some concerning statistics: 45 per cent of participants show signs of PTSD, indicating the pervasive impact of recent events on mental health".
Fourteen per cent of respondents reported experiencing extreme, repetitive flashbacks of the traumatic events, which can severely disrupt daily functioning. Furthermore, 35 per cent mentioned having repeated distressing dreams, while 44 per cent described sudden, intrusive flashbacks. Additionally, about 60 per cent of participants reported feeling emotionally distressed when recalling the events they witnessed, a potential indicator of unresolved trauma. The behavioural responses associated with PTSD are also noteworthy, with 34 per cent of participants reporting physical reactions when memories resurface. Avoidance behaviours are prevalent as well: 52 per cent actively try to avoid reminders of the trauma, including specific places, people, or conversations. Dr Jenni Leppänen, from the University of Oulu Finland, said, "Avoidance goes hand in hand with PTSD, yet it can also lead to isolation, as individuals gradually distance themselves from aspects of daily life that remind them of their trauma".
Notably, the primary findings also reveal that 49 per cent of participants are experiencing strong negative emotions such as anger, disappointment, shame, and a sense of unease. Dr Atiq from Thikana clinic emphasised that "these emotions can damage self-esteem and, if left untreated, can lead to more complex emotional and relational difficulties. Additionally, the social repercussions of PTSD symptoms are significant: over a half (51 per cent) report losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed, a common outcome of emotional numbness and detachment associated with PTSD". Forty-eight per cent feel disconnected from those around them. The study further underscores the state of hyper-alertness experienced by 41 per cent of participants. This heightened state of vigilance is another common PTSD symptom, often resulting from a deep-seated need to remain "on guard" in case of further danger.
One of the team researchers of the GROW project, Dr Bapon Fakhruddin from New Zealand mentioned that the project did not end with the survey; it merely marked the beginning of a comprehensive support plan. "The second phase involves identifying individuals who exhibit PTSD symptoms and inviting them to participate in a free, long-term counselling and psychotherapy programme. By providing ongoing support over two years, we aim to monitor the impact of sustained social and psychological support on alleviating PTSD symptoms". Therapy will be administered by a team of experienced counsellors, and each participant will have access to individual or group therapy options, depending on their preference and psychological needs.
Dr Rodrigo Ramalho, psychiatrist and senior lecturer from the University of Auckland, highlighted, "One of the distinguishing aspects of this project is that, to our knowledge, it is one of the first studies designed to evaluate the role of social support within six months of the initial traumatic incident. The mental health community has recognised for years that trauma victims benefit greatly from early intervention. Immediate support, whether through counselling, peer networks, or family engagement, can significantly impact the healing process by providing individuals with tools to manage their symptoms before they become deeply entrenched".
This intervention not only addresses the immediate effects of trauma but also serves as a preventive measure, helping individuals establish coping mechanisms that may reduce the likelihood of long-term, severe mental health outcomes. "By focusing on early intervention, we hope to contribute valuable insights to the body of PTSD research and provide a model that other regions and institutions may adopt", said by Dr Mohammed Islam, senior psychiatrist, Health New Zealand and senior honorary lecturer, the University of Auckland.
Dr. Juma Rahman is from the Ministry of Health, New Zealand. jumarahman@gmail.com
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