BY TAMERU REGASA
ADDIS ABABA- The necessary preparations and efforts should be made to treat the psychological damage that has happened to many people as a result of the war in northern Ethiopia, a renowned psychiatrist Prof. Mesfin Araya said.
A psychiatrist and Chairperson of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) Prof. Mesfin Araya told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that a community in a war zone is prone to high mental health problems. “What concerns me is the mental breakdown associated with the loss of life and immense property damage.”
“Physical injuries are treated in days, months and years,” Mesfin stated, adding brain damage does not disappear quickly, but can be transferred from one generation to the next. The psychological problems of a brain injury require a lot of work and in order to treat the problem, the continuous efforts of mothers, elders, religious leaders and especially mental health professionals are needed.
Now that the peace agreement has started to be implemented, it is necessary to treat people who have suffered psychological problems and help them get out of the problem as soon as possible.
The noted psychiatrist further highlighted that professionals including himself who have worked on mental health have a lot to contribute as the mental wounds caused by the war have not yet dried up. Since the crimes happened recently, the process of treating the psychological problem must be up-to-date and a professional and social solution is needed to prevent the problem from being passed on to children and grandchildren.
It is important to forgive mental breakdowns beyond the time given for psychological treatment so that the problems do not spread and continue. “Apologizing is one of our traditions, but it must be handled well in order for the results to be effective. Especially when problems are getting worse, it is necessary to quickly go to peace, admit mistakes and make amends.” Wiping away the tears of people who were injured in the war, giving care and forgiveness will help to reign in lasting peace and love, Prof. Mesfin emphasized.
The Ethiopian Herald November 11/2022
