The government has barred the internet and the mobile networks in kashmir and this is leading the already stressed and traumatized people to more stress related disorders.
Since the communication blockade, many people, mostly youngsters, have been coming to hospitals in distress state.
Dr Mudasir Khan, a clinical psychologist at SMHS’s hospital’s psychiatry department said, “We interacted with patients in wards and we understand how the sudden halt of communication has affected their psyche.”
“When I spoke to people they were tense and agitated for they were not getting the news as what is happening outside. They were worried about the safety of their family members.”
Sharing a case of one such patient, Dr Mudasir said: “He was beaten up by police and was admitted in the district hospital of his area. Later, he was referred here. But he had developed a fear psychosis because of the communication breakdown.”
“He wanted to call his family, but he just couldn’t. Though he was feigning to be normal, but at the back of his mind he was worried about the safety of his family. It was haunting him.”
Dr Waris Ahmad Zargar of SMHS hospital has also come across many patients who seemed to have developed symptoms of depression.
“They complain of chest pain, anxiety and some have even developed suicidal tendencies. We found out that there is some sort of tension since they have become disconnected from their near ones,” he said.
However, Dr Waris doesn’t find anything unusual in this sudden anxiety among youngsters. “Today’s generation is dependent on gadgets. They spend most of their day chatting and talking to their friends. So they are now dependent on it and when you suddenly stop it, it is going to have an effect on their behavior,” he said.
“Once you are addicted to something, the abrupt halt will obviously have withdrawal symptoms,” he added.
Mobile internet services were snapped and curfew was put in place across valley since July 9 following the killing of militant commander, Burhan Wani.
The psychiatrists believe that if the communication blockade continues, there will be increase in the stress related issues among people. “The more the people will be kept isolated, the more it will have physiological impact on them.”
