Government psychiatrists have reported that one in four individuals injured during the July-August Uprising are grappling with severe depression, attributed to limb loss, uncertain medical treatment, and financial instability.
The Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists presented these findings on Friday while unveiling two separate survey reports at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
The first survey published in today’s briefing was conducted by the Shyamoli-based National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
It found that 14.5% of the injured, or approximately one in seven, are experiencing severe depression, while 27.3%, or one in four, are suffering from extreme depression.
Separately, BSMMU found that 65% of the injured are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Shamsul Ahsan Maksud told reporters that the injured people repeatedly feel frightened as they recollect memories of the uprising, and worry over a repetition of the brutalities.
Experts at the press briefing also said that not only the victims of violence but also witnesses to the brutality have been psychologically affected.
To address the crisis, psychiatrists emphasized the need for increased counseling efforts and the removal of stigmas surrounding mental health services.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
