A total of 217 injured individuals, including six women, participated in the study. They were selected from three major hospitals – BMU, the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, and the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR). The study was conducted between September 2024 and February 2025, through direct interviews.
According to the study, nearly 20 per cent of the participants suffer from severe depression, and over 20 per cent from severe PTSD.
The symptoms of PTSD patients include loss of interest in life, suicidal ideation, lack of concentration, emotional numbness, self-blame, impulsiveness, intrusive thoughts, and even self-harming behavior. Without access to mental health care, these patients could face long-term crises involving severe depression, suicide risk, violent behavior, homicidal tendencies, and drug addiction.
According to physicians, PTSD often follows exposure to extreme violence or trauma that are uncommon in daily life. Even a month after such incidents, affected individuals remain distressed, easily startled, and emotionally fragile. Significant dates or locations tied to the trauma trigger flashbacks and depressive episodes. They may begin to avoid places, people, or even colors that remind them of the incident. Such avoidance and emotional turmoil are defining characteristics of PTSD.