Mental Health Crisis and Social Media Influence.
Modernity can lead to social and mental isolation.
According to Mental Health America, approximately 23% of adults experienced a mental illness in the past year. There are various factors such as; the COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated mental health issues. A Pew Charitable Trusts report indicates that anxiety and depression levels have increased drastically, with 38% more people seeking mental health care since the pandemic began. This surge has overwhelmed existing mental health infrastructure, particularly emergency departments ill-equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies (The Pew Charitable Trusts) (The Pew Charitable Trusts).
The growing mental health crisis across the world can be attributed to a complex interplay of various factors, such as social and economic inequalities, political unrest, financial distress of unemployment, poverty, and economic disparity which are common due to modern-day war, negative consumption of news, and psychological warfare.
Increased exposure to social media has been linked to anxiety, depression, and a distorted sense of reality. The mental health of young people is particularly concerning. A Politico survey of clinicians revealed a dramatic rise in anxiety and depression among children and teens, driven by factors such as social media, social isolation, and external stressors like school shootings and climate change. Many clinicians also noted a severe shortage of resources and long wait times for treatment (Politico).
Constant exposure to negative news coverage and most importantly exposure to traumatic events can lead to long-term mental health crises.
Witnessing violence can not be benign. It is not passive and has no adverse effect on society, mental health, and psychology. We cannot ignore violence when it manifests in the form of mass killing such as genocide. The collective consciousness of society is altered, distorted, and damaged as a result, especially for those who are directly affected.
A Psychosocial Perspective
The psychological and social perspectives shed light on this growing phenomenon. Witnessing frightening images affects mental well-being, especially those at the location. But even those who were not present at the location & merely witnessed the act repeatedly showed a decline in mental health. The stress was due to the constant bombardment of negative images and news consumption, causing the audience anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. Some studies show that merely witnessing can activate fear circuits in the brain, and trigger past negative memories, traumas, and PTSD.
Constantly witnessing can prolong acute distress. Media coverage keeps traumatic memories alive not letting the healing process take place — a continuous replay of thoughts triggers past traumatic incidents that can have a deteriorating effect For example, the tragedy of Oklahoma City, 911, the war in Palestine, and Ukraine, such events caused PTSD in those who consumed the news constantly.
Mental health is compromised when there is a threat to life, due to stress or fear of one’s life and safety. These days terrorist attacks, war, and witnessing violence and news coverage of Palestine is a norm. Excessive consumption of news affects cardiovascular diseases. There is a direct correlation between mental & physical health and witnessing violence.
Psychological Warfare: Internal and External Impact
Psychological warfare (PWF) refers to the use of psychological tactics to influence the perceptions, emotions, and behavior of individuals, groups, or populations, often during times of conflict. The effects of psychological warfare can be profound and multifaceted, impacting various levels of society. It is to convey manipulative information. For instance, a military group may drop leaflets into enemy territory that discredit their leader and spread false rumors or information that can cause a political uproar and negative emotional reaction among citizens. PWF causes high levels of anxiety and depression, and constant exposure to misinformation and psychological manipulation can lead to heightened paranoia and distrust toward others breaking unity within communities.
As a result, individuals may change their behaviors, and decision-making processes can be altered based on the influence of psychological operations. Psychological warfare can create or exacerbate divisions within communities, leading to increased polarization and conflict causing social and political unrest. We should be aware of psychological warfare and its impact on our society.
Internal conflicts on global and local levels threaten the right to life and to live peacefully. As a global human community, no one should be allowed to violate basic human rights or humiliate people of different races and nationalities creating threats, social unrest, division, and destabilization of government. Internal conflicts and psychological warfare are not easy to recognize due to fake news.
Recently Palestinians have been victims of war. The impact of war on the mental health of Palestinians is profound and multifaceted. Unfortunately, not much light is shed on this topic. The ongoing conflict, marked by periods of intense violence, displacement, and socioeconomic instability, has had severe and long-lasting effects on the mental well-being of individuals and communities. Children exposed to war often face developmental challenges, including difficulties in learning, long-term trauma, and social behavior such as increased aggression, hyperactivity, and other behavioral issues that are common among children living in conflict zones.
Many Palestinians, including children, have witnessed or been victims of violence, leading to high rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Not to mention frequent loss of family members, friends, homes, and livelihoods exacerbates feelings of grief and trauma. Continuous exposure to conflict and uncertainty leads to chronic stress and anxiety.
The effects of witnessing violence can be passed down through generations. Children who grow up in violent environments are more likely to experience mental health issues and engage in violent behavior themselves, perpetuating a cycle of violence and trauma (The Pew Charitable Trusts).
High rates of unemployment, poverty, and restricted movement contribute to socioeconomic factors and widespread depression among adults. Increased poverty level economic hardship exacerbates mental health issues, with limited access to resources and opportunities contributing to a sense of hopelessness. Due to war the healthcare infrastructure is often overwhelmed, damaged, or destroyed deliberately limiting access to health services and support.
Studies have shown high prevalence rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among Palestinians. For instance, a study published in the Lancet in 2021 found that nearly one-third of Palestinian adolescents met the criteria for PTSD.
In war-torn countries women and girls often face unique challenges, including higher rates of sexual violence, trauma that can scar them for life, and additional burdens related to caregiving responsibilities, leading to higher rates of anxiety and depression. Prolonged deep stress weakens the immune system and leads to physical health deterioration. Chronic stress increases the risk of heart-related diseases as well.
The overall impact of war on the mental health of Palestinians underscores the need for comprehensive mental health care, including trauma-informed approaches and robust support systems, to address the multifaceted challenges faced by this population.
While strong community ties can provide support, the pervasive impact of war often strains these networks. The cultural stigma surrounding mental health issues can prevent individuals from seeking help.
Strategies for Mitigation and Support ;
- Therapeutic Interventions: Counseling and therapy, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), can be effective in addressing the mental health impacts of witnessing violence.
- Community Programs: Initiatives that provide safe spaces and supportive environments can help mitigate the effects of community violence.
- Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about the effects of witnessing violence and promoting mental health resources can help individuals seek and receive the help they need.
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