The Trauma of War

There are several pieces of research and data available that how war affects human lives psychologically other than how much physical infrastructure is damage. We can build new cities once the war is over, but think for a while, can we rebuild the human brain again? Can we mend the scars of people who witness or experience the trauma themselves?

The war affects the lives of everyone, not only the soldiers but the families and the civilians as well. In this article, we are trying to highlight how war is affecting the Civilians. 

     

War as trauma for people who Witness it

War is nothing more but a Trauma before and even after. The injury occurs via seeing horrifying images of war and violence. War is trauma itself for those soldiers who are fighting, but those who are at a constant state of unknown and unseen fear of being captured and exposed to violence day and night. It is a state of terror that continues even after a long period. The war is not only about winning or losing, but it is an atmosphere that ruins everyone around.

How this Trauma Affects

The war affects every person, including males, females, and children, as well. And the irony is people don't find any support. People deprived of everything, including mental health support, that is very much necessary than anything else. Death, injuries, violence, sexual violence, Malnutrition, illness, and disabilities are some physical effects that war offers us.   

When someone is in a constant state of stress, the brain starts to function differently. So that it can work in a state of war or conflict; the person stays in the state of fight or flight. The thinking pattern also changes, and so does cognitive functions.

Physiological Effects of Stress due to war;

There are many consequences people have to suffer from vary from physical to psychological. And it last, longer even when the state of terror is over. The effect changes over physiological as well, like change in the level of hormones in the body like Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, and cortisol. These are also called stress hormones, and continues or excessive release of these hormones can change brain functioning level in the long run.

Restlessness, fatigue, confusion, vomiting, and suspicions, sleep deprivation, and nightmares are some effects of being exposed to stress in the long run. Other ailments include Cardiac and gastrointestinal disease, and nervous disease is also identifying by researches 

What are the Psychological Consequences of the War on People?

There are several psychological consequences that research identifies the civilian population around the world of those nations who fought wars for many years. 

• Memory loss
• Anger
• Irritability
• Stress and Anxiety
• Shutting everyone out
• The trouble with paying attention
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Acute Stress Disorder

These are clusters of symptoms that affect the daily routine of human life; it affects his personal, social, familial, educational, and occupational environment. And it lasts with the person till his last breath.

The question is, can we afford our whole nation to go through all these physical and psychological consequences? Are we strong enough to fight the battle inside a civilian mind? How many mothers will lose their son? How many women will stay single after the husband's death? Or do we need mental health professionals in numbers who can deal with an enormous population?

 Dr. Anila Khan

Clinical Psychologist & Research Assistant 

Writer and Social Activist