November fear haunts children

The psychologist fears that as the 26/11 anniversary approaches — and as the images of the gruesome attacks slowly start filling primetime television — similar cases of fear,trauma and distress among city children may increase. “We are already treating at least six cases since the start of this month,” he said,adding “they are all in the age group of 8-11,indicating they are the most vulnerable group.”

City psychologists opine that ever since the terror attacks last year,children’s perspective have changed and this is evident in their games,drawings and general behaviour.

Dr Kersi Chavda,president of the Bombay Psychiatrist Society and consultant psychiatrist at Hinduja Hospital,Mahim,said,“Immediately after 26/11 last year,many city children went through what we called ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’ for about six to eight months. They suffered panic attacks,sleep disorder. Loud noises like fire crackers would disturb them. As months passed by most children coped up.” However,he anticipated a few cases to return now that the entire city is talking about the attacks again. “Many kids have seen the attack up close,a few lost dear ones. Many others were affected by the extensive TV coverage. As the date approaches, some memories are bound to return,” he added.

In a similar case,Shraddha Vora,counselling psychologist at Masina,recalled overhearing the conservation of a nine-year-old boy with his friends recently. “It was the last week of October and this boy,a student of a school in CST,was telling his friends: “Agle mahine Qayamat aayegi (the end will come in the next month),” Vora said. The psychologist immediately reached out to the boy and built a rapport with him. Today the boy visits her for regular consultation.

Dr Maya Kirpalani,consultant psychologist and family therapist at Jaslok and Bhatia Hospitals,however,thinks there’s little to worry. The doctor who treated typical behavioural problems says in majority of cases children recover after a few months of care. “In 70 to 75 percent population,recovery occurs within a few months. In about 5 to15 per cent chronic cases,the effects of the trauma will last longer. However,in all cases,no permanent damage will occur,” she said.