BAKU, August 16 — In the aftermath of conflict, a hidden crisis looms among Azerbaijani youth: rising rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A groundbreaking nationwide study reveals that 65% of adolescents experience anxiety, 40% grapple with depression, and a staggering 70% suffer from PTSD—with those aged 12 to 14 particularly affected and girls consistently reporting higher anxiety than boys.
This is the first large-scale empirical study of its kind in Azerbaijan, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive, long-term psychological support for children and adolescents in post-conflict zones.
The Healing Power of Intervention
The study shows that structured intervention programs—comprising art therapy, group counseling, and parental training—significantly reduced symptoms: anxiety dropped by 65%, and depressive symptoms by 40%. These interventions signal a scalable and effective pathway for national mental health response.
Beyond the Numbers
Children exposed to armed conflict often suffer in silence. The psychological shadows of displacement, loss, and upheaval disrupt normal development and social adaptation. If unaddressed, these traumas can haunt individuals into adulthood, stunting potential and burdening society at large.
Calls for Action
Policymakers and civic leaders must treat youth mental health not as a peripheral concern, but as central to Azerbaijan’s social resilience. Key steps include:
Implementing nationwide psychological first-aid and school-based programs
Expanding community outreach and training parents/teachers in early detection
Strengthening mental health infrastructure with accessible services outside urban centers
Collaborating with international organizations for resources and expertise
A Collective Responsibility
Mental health is more than an academic field—it’s about preserving the well-being and future of an entire generation. For a society just emerging from conflict, acknowledging and addressing psychological wounds is not just compassionate—it’s essential for lasting recovery.
