Mental Health Aspects of War and Violent Extremism in South Asia

Abstract
In South Asia, conflict is not only measured by destroyed cities or lost lives; it endures in the quiet suffering of displaced families, the unspoken grief of the elderly, and the unseen scars carried by children. This chapter explores the profound psychological impact of war, terrorism, and violent extremism in South Asia. It draws from documented cases of displacement, violence, and communal unrest, revealing how trauma becomes embedded not just in memory but in bodies, behaviors, and family legacy. Women face layered suffering as victims and caregivers. The elderly, often unable to flee, endure isolation and neglect. Youth exposed to violence show long-term emotional and cognitive consequences, while generational trauma silently perpetuates psychological distress across family lines. However, even amid these crises, resilience emerges through community-based support, culturally adapted mental health care, and emerging digital interventions. This chapter also advocates the need for comprehensive mental health programs at the center of humanitarian action, specifically emphasizing long-term psychological support for survivors, an often neglected component critical to sustainable recovery in South Asia.

Author
Darya Rostam Ahmed

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-3690-0_13

ISSN
978-981-95-3689-4

Publish Date: 3-Feb-2026