AI 171 crash: Fear takes flight for kids, elders in crash aftermath in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad: A week after the devastating Air India 171 crash that shook the world, mental health professionals are beginning to see the psychological aftershocks ripple through affected communities.
From fear-struck children to distressed frequent flyers, trauma is surfacing in various forms across the city.
A woman in her early forties approached the govt Hospital for Mental Health (HMH) on Wednesday, accompanied by her two children. She told counsellors that the family lives in Meghaninagar, close to the crash site. Though not directly involved, the trauma of hearing the explosion and witnessing smoke rise from the BJ Medical College hostel has left them deeply shaken.
"The family, particularly the children, shake in fear every time an aircraft passes by. With the memory of the crash still fresh, they fear it might come crashing down. The incident has affected their sleep, food intake, and overall mood," said Dr Deepti Bhatt, senior psychiatrist at HMH.
"With the TeleMANAS helpline, we received two calls. One was from a frequent flier who could not sleep for two days. Another was from a woman doctor living in the Atulyam hostel complex, where the plane crashed.
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When she returned to retrieve her belongings, it triggered painful memories. She was advised a follow-up," Dr Bhatt added.
As Thursday marked a week since the crash, its psychological impact is becoming increasingly evident among citizens, both directly and indirectly affected.
Several govt-run, university-based, and private helplines have publicised counselling numbers and are receiving calls. Experts, however, believe the full extent of the psychological damage will only become clear with time, as families are currently preoccupied with identifying remains and conducting last rites.
Prof S L Vaya, lifetime professor at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and senior forensic psychologist, said their helpline has also received calls. "Primarily, the concerns are related to sleeplessness, anxiety, a general sense of unease, and shock. No one can truly be prepared for a catastrophe of this magnitude," she said. "We've recommended 'anapana pranayama' to help callers calm their nerves and encouraged them to talk to trusted friends or family members.
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"Trauma can take many forms, often manifesting as disturbed sleep or recurring thoughts about the incident," said Dr Pradip Vaghasiya, a city-based psychiatrist. "While we've received calls from some distant relatives of the victims, one notable case involved a 14-year-old boy experiencing recurring nightmares of the crash. He was feeling increasingly anxious."
"This is generally a temporary phenomenon," he added, "but if symptoms worsen, timely professional intervention is necessary."
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