Israel-Iran conflict: UAE doctors warn of mental health toll from gory visuals

Dubai: The Israel-Iran conflict and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza may be unfolding far from the UAE, but their psychological aftershocks are being felt right here at home. News channels and social media are flooded with visuals – often unedited – of missiles flying, buildings exploding, bodies strewn across streets and other graphic scenes. Mental health professionals are witnessing a surge in patients struggling with anxiety, fear and emotional distress triggered by such content.

Dr Kapil Sunderkant Kulkarni, Specialist Psychiatrist at NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai Investments Park (DIP), confirmed that more patients are seeking help due to war-related anxiety since the conflict began.

“Yes. There has been a rise in the number of patients attending outpatient clinics to consult psychiatrists and psychologists since the conflict began,” he said.
“Day-to-day updates are triggering anxiety and distress in the general population as well as among group of people who are particularly vulnerable to such situations.”

Dr Kulkarni added that while many individuals are proactively seeking support, others are being brought in by concerned family members.
“But there is still a lack of awareness in certain sections of society. Educating them about the mental health impact of war and the resources available is crucial,” he stressed.

Dr Kulkarni noted that people do not need to be directly involved in a conflict to be emotionally affected by it, as such events can resurface past traumatic memories and trigger psychological distress.
“We receive many videos and images through television and social media. These leave a deep traumatic impact on our minds,” said Dr Kulkarni. “They trigger acute distress, fear, anger, restlessness, and panic in minds of people who watch them.”

Echoing similar views, Dr Amir Javaid, Consultant Psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, noted that such exposure can increase prevalence of anxiety disorders, panic attacks, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“There are some reported cases of an increase in paranoid ideation and hallucinations with delusional beliefs in people with schizophrenia,” he said, noting that such graphic and violent videos have harmful effects on people of determination, especially those with autism or intellectual disabilities, are particularly vulnerable.
“It often leads to emotional outbursts and challenging behaviours,” Dr Javaid warned.

Doctors underlined that constant exposure to violent and traumatic content can have lasting effects.
Dr Javaid said: “The long-term psychological effects of regularly viewing violent or traumatic content online can lead to a constant state of grief, hopelessness, nightmares and sleeping disturbances. Post-traumatic stress disorder is on the rise with constant viewing of such content.”

Dr Kulkarni added that long-term impacts can alter a person's emotional stability and behaviour. “The affected person often starts avoiding conversation, place or events related to such traumatic memories generated in mind. Intense emotional distress and guilt are experienced by some of the individuals.”

Experts strongly recommend proactive mental wellness strategies during turbulent global events.

“Limit your screen time, avoid distressing images, and be mindful of what you're watching,” said Dr Javaid. “Practices like yoga, meditation, exercise, healthy eating and listening to soothing music can be helpful.”

Equally important is staying connected with loved ones.
“Having conversations with family and friends is important,” he said.

Crucially, both psychiatrists urged residents not to ignore early warning signs of emotional distress.
“There is always professional help available from mental health professionals. Please consult them without delays,” said Dr Kulkarni.