'A husband who hasn't cried, an elderly who won't go home': Grief deepens 11 days after tragedy; reactions from victims' kin worry counsellors
AHMEDABAD: Eleven days after AI 171 crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel in Meghaninagar, families of the victims continue to struggle with processing their overwhelming grief, with many displaying unexpected reactions to trauma that have left counsellors concerned.
Among the most heartbreaking cases is that of a 27-year-old man who lost his wife in the crash and has been unable to cry even once. The couple married in 2024, their future stretching ahead like an open road filled with possibilities. He flew ahead of her to set up their new home in London while her papers were being processed.
"I should have been with her," the guilt-ridden widower has been telling himself repeatedly, too traumatised to come to terms with the loss.
During their last conversation, she told him repeatedly not to get delayed and keep her waiting at London Gatwick airport.
"So, when he received the news of the crash, he took the first available flight and reached the city, rebuking himself for getting late," said a Civil Hospital counsellor who has been speaking to the family in their time of grief. "He visited the campus for three days to complete the procedures and take home her mortal remains for the last rites.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
configura tu Symbioz full hybrid E-Tech
RENAULT
Configurar Tu Coche
Undo
He did not cry, could not cry rather, even once."
Considering the nature of the incident, Civil Hospital authorities have appointed counsellors – primarily experienced psychiatrists – to help families cope with the deaths of multiple family members.
Dr Urvika Parekh, one of the counsellors, described her most difficult moments in the past 11 days: breaking news of death to a seven-year-old girl. "She came to give DNA sample for identification of the mortal remains.
The family could not break the news to her," she said. "Some families have lost multiple family members. The void is hard to fill."
The counsellors have encountered several instances where families have been unable to return to their normal lives. A senior citizen, who lost four family members in the crash, has not gone back home. "The emptiness of the house is overwhelming for him, so he has been staying with a close relative for the time being.
The same is true for several families as they have just held the last rites of their dear ones and are now finding it difficult to envision life without them," said the counsellor.
Dr Parekh explains that there are seven stages of grief – shock and denial, pain and guilt, anger and bargaining, depression, the upward turn, reconstruction, and acceptance and hope. "The nature of the reaction of the relatives has changed over the past 11 days.
Earlier, they had some hope that their loved ones may have escaped the crash. But then news came in that there was only one survivor. The next stage is disbelief and denial.
We had to deter several grieving parents from seeing their children one last time due to the condition of the mortal remains," she said.
Dr Disha Vasavada, another psychiatrist and counsellor, noted the particular difficulty of losing children. "It is tougher to cope with the death of a child than the death of a parent, and one can only imagine the pain of the senior citizens who have lost their children in the crash.
In several instances, it may take days or even weeks to process the trauma and grieve for the departed relative," she said.
The team will stay in touch with the families, who also have been given the numbers of the counsellors. "In several instances, the relatives gained their composure but could not hold themselves back once the coffins were handed over to them," said Dr Vasavada. "The initial few days of the incident were spent arranging logistics, but when the loss hits hard, handholding is necessary."
The psychiatrists draw parallels with early Covid deaths, where the relatives were not allowed to see the deceased "one last time". Not seeing the departed often caused dissonance for the close relatives in search of closure, they add.
Dr Rakesh Joshi, medical superintendent of Civil Hospital, said that a team of 10 dedicated counsellors was deployed from day one to assist relatives in going through procedures ranging from providing DNA samples to victim identification to handing over the mortal remains.
"The counsellors are stationed at the hospital round the clock. They will be there till all the bodies are handed over," he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Who is Rep. Kat Cammack? Pro-life supporter sheds light on deadly pregnancy and Florida's abortion law
Florida Congresswoman Kat Cammack , a staunch anti-abortion Republican and co-chair of the House pro-life caucus , is speaking out about a harrowing ordeal during her pregnancy last year—a personal crisis that has sparked new debate over the real-world impact of restrictive abortion laws, even on their supporters. In May 2024, Cammack, who represents Florida's 3rd congressional district, was rushed to the emergency room after learning her pregnancy was ectopic, a life-threatening condition in which the embryo cannot survive and the mother's life is at serious risk. At the time, Florida's six-week abortion ban had just taken effect. Cammack urgently needed a dose of methotrexate, a medication used to end ectopic pregnancies, but hospital staff hesitated. Doctors and nurses, she said, feared prosecution or loss of their medical licenses if they administered the drug, even though her life was in danger and the pregnancy was nonviable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo Cammack described pleading her case, showing hospital staff the state law on her phone and even attempting to contact the governor's office for clarification—without success. 'It was absolute fearmongering at its worst,' she told The Wall Street Journal, emphasizing that what she experienced was not an abortion but a medically necessary intervention to save her life. After several tense hours, she finally received the medication she needed. Cammack, who recently announced she is expecting her first child in August, shared her story publicly to highlight the unintended consequences of abortion restrictions. 'I would stand with any woman – Republican or Democrat – and fight for them to be able to get care in a situation where they are experiencing a miscarriage and an ectopic,' she said. Live Events Her experience underscores the legal confusion and risk-averse climate faced by healthcare providers under strict abortion laws, which can delay or complicate emergency care even for those who support such measures. Cammack's ordeal is now fueling bipartisan calls for clearer guidelines and renewed focus on maternal health, as the U.S. continues to grapple with some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the developed world.
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Vitamin D: 5 simple foods that are high in the sunshine vitamin
Most of us aren't sunbathing at noon or popping vitamin D pills like clockwork. And yet, vitamin D is that one nutrient our body keeps asking for quietly (until it screams with signs like fatigue, low immunity, and even bone pain). It's not just a vitamin; it's practically a hormone in disguise. It keeps your bones strong, your mood up, your immunity sharp, and your energy humming. But if you're not outdoors much or live somewhere where winter feels like a long, grey Netflix marathon, you might be running low. Luckily, your kitchen can help. No need for anything fancy—just real, everyday foods that sneak in that sunshine vitamin without much drama. Here's a look at the simple foods that naturally contain vitamin D, and why you might want to add them to your plate more often. Egg yolks Let's start with something most of us already have in the fridge. Eggs, particularly the yolks, are a decent source of vitamin D. One yolk gives you about 40-50 IU of vitamin D. Not earth-shattering, but if you eat a couple daily it adds up. So, the next time you make scrambled eggs, ditch the egg-white-only mindset. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo The yolk is where the vitamin magic is. Plus, it's delicious. Mushrooms Yes, mushrooms are basically fungi that moonlight as veggies. But they have one superpower: when they soak up UV light, they produce vitamin D—just like human skin does. Look for mushrooms labeled as UV-exposed or vitamin D-rich—portobello and maitake are top picks. Some mushrooms can offer up to 400 IU per serving, which is actually amazing for a plant-based food. Roast them, sauté them, or toss them in your pasta. Just don't overcook the life out of them. Fatty fish: Salmon If vitamin D had a celebrity spokesperson, it would be salmon. A 100-gram (3.5 oz) cooked serving of wild salmon can pack up to 600 IU of vitamin D. Farmed varieties tend to have less, but they still deliver a punch. It's one of the best whole-food sources of D you'll find, and it's good for your heart, skin, and brain too. Grill it, bake it, or even can it—just get it on your plate once or twice a week. Cheese (especially Swiss or American) Cheese doesn't have a ton of vitamin D, but certain types—like Swiss, cheddar, and American—do contain small amounts. You'll get around 12-20 IU per slice, so it's more of a bonus than a major source. Still, if you're already adding a slice to your sandwich or grating it over your eggs, every bit helps. And let's be honest—cheese makes everything better. Cod liver oil Okay, hear us out. This old-school supplement isn't just for grandparents. One teaspoon of cod liver oil contains about 1,360 IU of vitamin D. That's well over the daily recommendation for most adults. It's also rich in vitamin A and omega-3s, making it a powerhouse in a small dose. Not everyone loves the taste, but it's available in capsules now. If you're really low on D and your doctor gives the go-ahead, this might be your ticket. Bonus: Fortified foods Many breakfast cereals—especially the "healthy" ones like bran flakes or multigrain—are fortified with vitamin D. A serving can offer anywhere from 40 to 100 IU depending on the brand. Pair it with fortified milk and you're giving your body a double shot of D before noon. Just watch the sugar content if you're being health-conscious. Getting enough vitamin D from food alone can be tricky. The daily recommended intake for adults ranges from 600 to 800 IU, but some experts say we may need more, especially if we're mostly indoors or have darker skin. That's why this isn't about one food saving the day—it's about building a vitamin D-friendly routine with a mix of sunshine, smart eating, and maybe a supplement if needed. So next time you're shopping, maybe toss in some eggs, mushrooms, salmon, or even just your favorite fortified juice. Your bones, immune system, and energy levels will thank you. And hey—if the sun's out, step outside for a bit. Vitamin D is one of the few nutrients you can soak up for free. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While these foods are natural sources of vitamin D , individual needs may vary based on age, health conditions, and sun exposure. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or starting any new supplement. The information shared here is based on general research and should not replace personalized medical guidance. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Harvard‑backed study reveals each cup of coffee boosts healthy aging odds by 5%; How many cups should you have per day?
Coffee doesn't need any more good press than it already has. Thanks to its rich source of antioxidants and certain compounds like caffeine, coffee can be beneficial for health. Moderate consumption of coffee has often been linked to reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver and endometrial cancers, Parkinson's disease, and depression. Moreover, coffee can also improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and boost physical performance. So, having your daily cuppa not only comes with great benefits, but also preps you for the hustle and bustle! But could your daily coffee habit be a secret to aging gracefully? Turns out, the answer is yes. A major new study, backed by Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, suggests so, and it might have you brewing another cup. What does the study say? In a massive study of nearly 50,000 women over a time frame of 30 years, researchers found that drinking more coffee – to a point – during midlife was linked to less chronic disease, physical mobility issues and cognitive decline in later years. However, other caffeinated products, plus decaffeinated coffee, did not garner the same results. The aforementioned study tracked 47,513 women from the US Nurses' Health Study, beginning between 1984 and 1986, when participants were aged 45–60. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This wasn't superficial: to qualify, participants had to live past 70 and remain free of 11 major chronic diseases (including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes), while maintaining robust mental, cognitive, and physical health. Researchers followed them for over three decades, ending in 2016, and identified 3,706 women who met the criteria for "healthy aging." Coffee intake – both in type and quantity – was tracked through rigorous questionnaires. Researchers converted it into caffeine intake (measured per 80 mg unit, roughly the amount in a single espresso shot). On average, healthy agers consumed 315 mg of caffeine daily, the equivalent of three small cups of coffee. What are the findings? Dr Sara Mahdavi, from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as reported by New Atlas, stated, 'Our study has several key strengths,' adding, 'In addition to the large sample size and 30 years of follow-up, we assessed several different aspects of longevity and healthy aging as well as very comprehensive information on nutritional and lifestyle habits that were collected every four years after the initiation of the study. ' What is the key takeaway? Each extra cup of brewed caffeinated coffee—up to about five cups a day—was linked with a 2% to 5% increased chance of healthy aging. Why does this matter? Over time, modest gains stack up. For someone drinking three cups daily, versus none, that's around a 15% to 25% increased likelihood of aging healthily – a substantial difference. As Dr Mahdavi stated, 'While past studies have linked coffee to individual health outcomes, our study is the first to assess coffee's impact across multiple domains of aging over three decades.' As per her, 'The findings suggest that caffeinated coffee – not tea or decaf – may uniquely support aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function.' More than caffeine: Coffee's unique blend What's fascinating is that this benefit wasn't observed with tea, decaf, soda, or other caffeine sources. In fact, cola intake was linked to 19% to 26% lower odds of healthy aging per daily glass. This suggests that coffee's bioactive compounds, like chlorogenic acids, polyphenols, and diterpenes, play a starring role, beyond caffeine itself. Harvard Health echoes this, noting that coffee's antioxidant components may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. According to Dr Madhavi, 'These results, while preliminary, suggest that small, consistent habits can shape long-term health.' The bitter/sweet spot: 2 to 4 cups a day As Dr Madhavi quoted, 'Moderate coffee intake may offer some protective benefits when combined with other healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking. While this study adds to prior evidence suggesting coffee intake may be linked with healthy aging, the benefits from coffee are relatively modest compared to the impact of overall healthy lifestyle habits and warrant further investigation. ' What's the ideal number of cups, then? Most health benefits plateau after 3 to 4 cups daily. Even Harvard Health states moderate intake (2 to 4 cups) is beneficial for longevity and cardiovascular health. The Mayo Clinic recommends up to 400 mg/day – about four cups – as a safe limit. Moreover, drinking more than 5 cups daily has shown diminishing returns, and could bring downsides like anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, or elevated cholesterol (especially from unfiltered brews). Besides, genetics also matters in this case, as individuals with slower caffeine metabolism may not experience the same benefits, and could be more sensitive to harm. Coffee drinkers undergo lower risks of death as compared to non-coffee drinkers: Study One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
