Iran Nears Mental Health Crisis Amid War Fears and Economic Woes
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Iran is nearing a severe mental health crisis due to fears of war with Israel and the U.S. and ongoing economic hardship, according to Alireza Aghayousefi, head of the Iranian Psychologists and Counselors Organization. He warned that societal stress could lead to long-term issues like depression and family problems. The economic downturn also prevents many from affording necessary psychological treatment. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian previously called the country's situation between war and peace the worst possible.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Iran is approaching a severe mental health crisis due to war fears and economic problems.
- Alireza Aghayousefi warned the country is not far from a mental health emergency.
- Uncertainty about future conflicts with Israel and the U.S. fuels anxiety.
- Economic hardship prevents many Iranians from affording psychological treatment.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian called the nation's situation between war and peace the worst.
- Consequences of stress may appear years later, including depression and family issues.
The head of Iran's Psychologists and Counselors Organization, Alireza Aghayousefi, has warned that the country is approaching a severe mental health crisis. He cited ongoing uncertainty about potential future conflicts with Israel and the United States, coupled with a persistent economic crisis, as major contributing factors to widespread anxiety and psychological distress among citizens.
Aghayousefi stated in an interview with an Iranian news agency that Iranian society is not far from a state of emergency regarding mental health. He urged authorities to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of psychological and social problems. The official explained that the prolonged state of neither full-scale war nor complete peace and stability creates significant psychological pressure on the population.
He elaborated that the inability to plan for the future, combined with constant apprehension over security and economic developments, can lead to severe anxiety and both mental and physical exhaustion. Aghayousefi cautioned that the full impact of this sustained stress might not be immediately apparent, with some consequences potentially surfacing a year or two later, including depression, marital issues, health problems, and impaired family functioning.
Adding to the mental health concerns, Aghayousefi highlighted that Iran's economic crisis is making it difficult for citizens to access psychological care. He noted a rise in demand for counseling services, but inflation and declining purchasing power mean many cannot afford the cost of treatment.
This warning follows similar sentiments expressed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian last week. Pezeshkian described the country's precarious position between war and peace as the worst possible scenario, particularly in light of rising tensions with Washington and the possibility of renewed U.S. and Israeli strikes after the U.S. midterm elections on November 3.
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