‘War imagery and distressing news through media can lead to vicarious trauma’

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Renowned Psychiatrist Dr Sandeep Vohra is a pioneer of tele-mental health in India. Founder of online platform NWNT, he over three decades of experience in treating anxiety, PTSD, and trauma-related disorders. He also has to his credit the development of AI-driven mental health screening tools like the “Stressometer”.
Dr Vohra works with high-stress populations — from corporate leaders to first responders — and is particularly vocal on how continuous war coverage can trigger vicarious trauma, doom scrolling-related anxiety, and even childhood emotional disruption. Excerpts from an interview:

Are there any tell-tale signs that can tell if a person has PTSD, anxiety disorder, or other trauma-related conditions?
Yes, there are distinct symptoms that may indicate trauma-related conditions such as PTSD or anxiety disorders. These include persistent intrusive thoughts or flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle responses, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, and emotional numbness. In children, signs might include regression, increased clinginess, or behavioral outbursts. Professional evaluation is essential if these symptoms persist for over a month and impair daily functioning.

How can continuous war coverage trigger vicarious trauma, doom-scrolling-related anxiety, and even childhood emotional disruption?
Constant exposure to war imagery and distressing news through media can lead to vicarious trauma—a psychological response experienced by individuals who are not directly affected by the war but are emotionally impacted by what they see. Doom-scrolling exacerbates anxiety, reinforcing a sense of helplessness. In children, such exposure can disrupt emotional development, lead to fear-based behaviors, and cause sleep disturbances, especially when the adults around them exhibit heightened stress.

How to identify symptoms of war-induced anxiety and vicarious trauma in adults and children? And how can this be treated?
In adults, symptoms may include panic attacks, persistent worry, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. In children, symptoms might manifest as behavioral changes, nightmares, stomachaches, or a decline in academic performance. Treatment includes trauma-informed therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and in some cases, medication. Support groups and psychoeducation also play a crucial role in healing.

What is the psychological cost of 24/7 war coverage and social media exposure? What are the ways of dealing with this sort of stress?
The psychological toll includes chronic stress, anxiety, compassion fatigue, desensitization, and increased risk of depressive disorders. Managing this involves setting boundaries with media consumption, taking digital detoxes, engaging in grounding exercises, and seeking professional support if needed. It’s vital to stay informed, but not at the cost of one’s mental well-being.

What are the evidence-based coping tools to manage global conflict-related stress?
Several evidence-based coping tools have proven effective in managing global conflict-related stress. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is one such approach that helps individuals stay grounded and present, reducing anxiety and rumination. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly trauma-focused CBT, is another powerful method for identifying and reframing negative thought patterns triggered by global unrest. Regular physical activity, even something as simple as walking, has been shown to lower cortisol levels and improve mood. Journaling and expressive writing can provide a safe outlet for processing emotions and gaining clarity. Maintaining structured daily routines also provides a sense of normalcy and control during uncertain times. In addition, peer support groups and community engagement foster connection, reduce isolation, and reinforce collective resilience. These tools, when used consistently, can significantly alleviate the psychological impact of prolonged exposure to global conflict.

What strategies can parents, educators, and workplaces employ to support mental health during global crises?
During global crises, parents, educators, and workplaces need to adopt proactive strategies to support mental health. Parents play a critical role by modeling calm behavior, maintaining consistent routines, limiting children’s exposure to distressing media, and fostering open, age-appropriate conversations about what is happening. This helps children feel safe and reassured, reducing anxiety and confusion.
Educators, on the other hand, can create emotionally secure environments within schools by integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum and teaching emotional regulation skills. Providing a space where students feel heard and understood can significantly buffer the psychological effects of ongoing global stressors.
Workplaces must also step up by offering tangible support such as mental health days, confidential access to counseling services, and flexible working arrangements. Leadership plays a pivotal role—when managers model emotional openness and prioritize psychological safety, it encourages a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges without stigma. Collectively, these strategies build resilience and promote mental well-being across all age groups during times of widespread crisis.

How far do lifestyle changes help?
Lifestyle changes are foundational to mental health. Regular sleep, physical activity, balanced nutrition, and digital hygiene significantly reduce stress levels. Practicing gratitude, engaging in hobbies, and maintaining strong social connections also contribute to improved resilience and emotional stability.

How do digital tools like telepsychiatry and AI-driven mental health screening tools like the “Stressometer” help scale mental health access in times of collective anxiety?
Digital tools democratize access to mental health care. Telepsychiatry overcomes geographical and mobility barriers, especially in crisis zones. AI-driven tools like the “Stressometer” can provide early screening, real-time feedback, and triage support, enabling timely interventions. They help scale services quickly and offer data insights for population-level mental health trends.

Did the brief war-like situation we just had with Pakistan result in an increase in the number of patients? If you could provide numbers.
While comprehensive data is lacking at this juncture, the psychological problems were evident across all age groups due to non-stop electronic, print & social media coverage. Symptoms included sleeplessness, fearfulness, inability to concentrate, anxiety & sadness and repeated images of events. Some of the people with preexisting emotional & stress related problems were more predisposed to reemergence or worsening of symptoms. Degree of problem was directly proportional to amount of media coverage watched by people and those near the border were more affected than others .

Which age group is most impacted by war trauma and stress? Does gender play a role in this?
Young adults (ages 18–30) and children (below 12) are particularly vulnerable. Children due to developmental sensitivity, and young adults due to digital saturation and future-related anxieties. Gender does influence presentation—women are more likely to report internalizing symptoms like anxiety and depression, while men may exhibit externalizing behaviors such as irritability or substance use.

Are there any preventive measures?
Yes, prevention plays a crucial role in mitigating the mental health impact of global crises, and it begins with building awareness and resilience. Media literacy education is essential to help individuals, especially young people, critically evaluate the content they consume and reduce emotional contagion from distressing news. Proactive mental health education, introduced from an early age, equips individuals with the tools to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions effectively. Ensuring access to crisis counseling in schools and workplaces provides immediate support during acute stress periods, preventing long-term psychological harm. Community-based initiatives that promote psychological resilience—such as peer support networks, stress management workshops, and collective well-being activities—strengthen individuals’ capacity to cope. Additionally, routine mental health screenings during high-stress periods allow for early identification and intervention. Ultimately, prevention is not about eliminating external stressors, but about empowering individuals and communities to manage them in healthy, sustainable ways.