Written by Date: October 29, 2024 –
The classroom at Dhaka University feels emptier now. Where once sat 50 bright-eyed students, only 35 chairs are filled today. The silence is deafening – a stark contrast to the passionate debates that used to echo through these halls. Three months after the July protests, the visible wounds may have healed, but the invisible scars run deep.
“I can’t sleep anymore,” whispers Sarah, a 21-year-old engineering student, her hands fidgeting with her notebook. “Every time I close my eyes, I see the flash of riot gear, hear the screams. Sometimes, I still smell the tear gas.”
The Mental Health Epidemic
What we’re witnessing is unprecedented in Bangladesh’s student mental health landscape. According to recent surveys conducted by local mental health organizations:
– 70% of student protesters report symptoms of PTSD
– 85% experience anxiety and depression
– 60% have developed sleep disorders
– 45% show signs of social withdrawal
Dr. Rashid Khan, a leading psychiatrist at Dhaka Medical College, notes a disturbing trend: “We’re seeing a generation traumatized by what they witnessed. These young minds were exposed to violence, loss, and severe emotional distress. The impact isn’t just immediate – it’s reshaping their worldview.”
Voices from the Ground
Kamal, a second-year political science student, shares his story: “I lost my best friend that day. He was just taking photos when…” his voice trails off. “Now, every time I pick up my phone to take a picture, my hands shake uncontrollably.”
The trauma manifests differently for each student:
– Some can’t return to campus
– Others develop panic attacks in crowds
– Many struggle with survivor’s guilt
– Academic performance has declined significantly
A System Unprepared
Bangladesh’s mental health infrastructure was already strained before the crisis. Now, it’s overwhelmed. “We have one psychiatrist for every 200,000 people,” explains Dr. Amina Rahman, a mental health advocate. “The student community needs specialized trauma support, but resources are scarce.”
Silent Struggles
Fatima, a student counselor, shares her observations: “The hardest part is that many students feel they can’t talk about their struggles. There’s this unspoken pressure to ‘stay strong’ for the cause. But bottling up trauma only makes it worse.”
The Ripple Effect
The impact extends beyond individual students:
– Families struggle to understand and support their children
– University attendance has dropped
– Student organizations report decreased participation
– Academic performance across universities has declined
Hope and Healing
Despite the darkness, pockets of hope emerge. Student-led initiatives are sprouting across campuses:
– Peer support groups
– Online counseling platforms
– Art therapy sessions
– Safe spaces for sharing experiences
Looking Forward
“We need to acknowledge that healing takes time,” says Dr. Khan. “These students didn’t just witness a protest – they experienced a collective trauma. Recovery requires both individual and societal support.”
Recommendations:
1. Increased mental health resources in universities
2. Training for educators in trauma-informed teaching
3. Support groups and counseling services
4. Awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health
5. Long-term monitoring and support systems
The Way Forward
As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of July’s events, the mental health crisis among students demands immediate attention. These young minds, who stood up for their rights, now need us to stand up for their well-being.
Resources for Help:
- https://monerbondhu.com/
- https://www.eshonijekori.com/
- https://www.mindspacebd.com/
- https://kaanpeteroi.org/
References: