Rokan's Journal

Brigadier General HRM Rokan Uddin, psc, PhD

Mental health problems are now recognized as one of the most urgent and high-priority issues in the modern world. They can affect anyone—regardless of age, profession, or environment. Unlike physical illnesses that are visible, mental trauma often remains hidden, but its impact is deep and far-reaching. Without timely care, this mental stress can gradually develop into serious mental disorders, deeply affecting a person’s quality of life, relationships, professional ability, and overall well-being.

There are various causes behind mental health problems. Traumatic events such as accidents, loss of loved ones, physical or emotional abuse, war or violence, natural disasters, job loss, or divorce can lead to psychological trauma. For children and adolescents, school pressure, family conflict, neglect, or bullying by peers can be major sources of emotional distress. Sometimes even seemingly small events, if repeated or occurring during vulnerable emotional moments, can result in long-term trauma.

If these mental traumas are not addressed appropriately and in a timely manner, they can turn into serious conditions. Initially, individuals may experience anxiety, mood swings, anger, nightmares, and sleep disturbances. Eventually, these may evolve into long-term depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorders, or other complex mental illnesses. The body may also suffer—chronic fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, or even heart disease—because the mind and body are deeply interconnected.

In addition, mental trauma weakens cognitive functions. It reduces memory, concentration, and decision-making ability. Everyday tasks become difficult. Emotional regulation becomes impaired, leading to feelings of despair, fear, and guilt. Relationships also suffer—distance grows between family members, friends, and colleagues.

However, no matter how deep the trauma is, full recovery is possible with the right treatment at the right time. The first step is to acknowledge the problem and bravely seek help. Mental health is a real issue, and it can be managed with proper treatment. Counseling and psychotherapy are very effective—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and stress management practices that help people free themselves from negative thought patterns and see life positively. In complex cases, medication may also be necessary under the guidance of experienced professionals. But beyond medical treatment, love, empathy, and patience from family members can help a traumatized person heal faster.

Lifestyle changes are also essential for mental well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and spending time with loved one’s help maintain emotional balance. Engaging in hobbies, creativity, and spiritual practices can empower individuals from within. At the same time, mental health awareness must be raised in schools, offices, and communities so that people can identify early symptoms and take timely action.

Mental health problems are not a matter of shame; they are natural human reactions to life’s storms. They are treatable, preventable, and recovery is possible. With proper care and compassion, a person can overcome trauma and live a healthy, fulfilling life. Therefore, protecting mental health is not just a personal duty, it is a collective social responsibility.

In the wake of the devastating plane crash, as our hearts mourn with grief, another tragedy is going unnoticed—one that is invisible yet profoundly impactful and long-lasting. Small children—our innocent sons and daughters—have witnessed a horror no child should ever have to see burning wreckage, charred bodies, the screams of bloodied classmates, and death striking in the familiar grounds of their own school.

This experience is not a nightmare but a deep wound on their tender minds. Such sights instill fear and trauma in children that do not easily fade. If they are not given immediate psychological support, this trauma may gradually transform into serious mental disorder depression, anxiety, behavioral changes, nightmares, and even long-term obstacles in personal development. Children who were once cheerful and lively may turn withdrawn, fearful, or severely depressed—just because we failed to acknowledge and address their invisible pain.

We must remember that children are not simply small adults. Their emotional structure is different, and their sensitivity is much greater. When they witness horror, it embeds itself deeply in their hearts. Seeing a friend die or suffer severe injury, feeling helpless in the moment—these experiences shatter their sense of safety and mental peace.

This is nothing short of a national mental health emergency. The government, school authorities, and all concerned must take effective action immediately. Experienced child psychologists and trauma counselors must be deployed to the affected schools. Each child must be assessed and provided therapy as needed—group counseling, art therapy, play therapy—these are no longer luxuries, but absolute necessities.

Teachers and parents must also be trained so they can recognize the signs of trauma in children and ensure a compassionate and safe environment both at home and in the classroom. Silence or neglect in this situation would be an act of extreme cruelty. If, after this tragic accident, we once again fail to address the needs of these children, it would be nothing short of a deliberate crime.

Let us remember—buildings can be rebuilt, roads can be repaired, but a broken mind, if not healed in time, may never fully recover. Our responsibility toward our children goes beyond offering sympathy—we must ensure their healing, safety, and a promise of a hopeful future. Let us not remain indifferent. Let us act now, so that this horror does not become a lifelong shadow in their lives.

The recent devastating plane crash has left the nation in deep shock. The children whose faces once held dreams are now injured, traumatized, or tragically lost forever. Those who were at the crash site or lost friends in the tragedy are undergoing unspeakable mental suffering. This horrifying experience has inflicted deep wounds on their psychological world—wounds that, without proper mental healthcare and loving support, could haunt them for the rest of their lives.

During this difficult time, certain anti-state groups—both inside and outside the country—are spreading rumors through social media and various platforms, attempting to confuse the public. They are exploiting the magnitude of the tragedy and the emotions of the people to spread provocative messages, misinformation, and conspiratorial narratives against the government. Their goal is clear—to destabilize the state, erode public trust, and push the nation toward division and disorder.

In such a situation, it is our collective duty to remain alert and composed. Identifying and reporting these malicious actors to law enforcement is a civic responsibility. We must not forget—if we do not expose their true face today, they may cause even greater harm tomorrow.

Now is the time for patience, compassion, and responsibility. If, as a nation, we stand united against rumors and conspiracies and, at the same time, focus on ensuring the mental well-being of our next generation, we can transform this tragedy from a fleeting sorrow into a lasting lesson and symbol of national unity. Let us remain calm, pray, reject rumors, and stand beside our children.