The conflict in Balochistan has created a profound and often overlooked psychological toll on its population, particularly among the youth. Decades of militancy, political instability and a continuous sense of insecurity have led to an environment where trauma permeates daily life. This prolonged exposure to conflict has resulted in widespread mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance abuse, with devastating effects on individuals and communities.
Many Baloch citizens, particularly those in militancy-affected areas, have witnessed traumatic events such as bombings, military crackdowns, disappearances, kidnapping and killings. These experiences leave deep emotional scars, and many individuals suffer from PTSD. The symptoms flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and hyper vigilance are common among those who have been exposed to such extreme violence. In the absence of effective mental health services, these symptoms often go untreated, forcing individuals to live in a constant state of psychological distress. In a region where access to healthcare is already limited, mental health issues are rarely prioritised, leading to a pervasive, silent crisis.
Depression is another major consequence of the prolonged conflict in Balochistan. The sense of hopelessness, combined with political disenfranchisement and economic marginalisation, has fuelled a deep psychological despair among many Baloch. The youth, who have grown up in an environment where violence and instability are the norm, often face a bleak future with limited opportunities for education, employment, or political expression. This lack of prospects exacerbates feelings of worthlessness, which can manifest as chronic depression. With few resources for counselling or therapy, those suffering from depression are left to grapple with their mental health struggles in isolation, leading to further societal disconnection and emotional alienation.
Substance abuse is another grave outcome of the psychological toll inflicted by the conflict. In a society where economic opportunities are scarce and mental health issues are often ignored, many individuals turn to drugs as a coping mechanism. Drug use, particularly heroin and other opiates, has become increasingly common among the youth in Balochistan. This not only exacerbates mental health issues but also leads to a cycle of addiction that further destabilises communities already ravaged by violence and poverty. Substance abuse, combined with untreated mental illness, creates a vicious cycle where individuals are unable to break free from the trauma of their environment, further entrenching feelings of despair and hopelessness.
The conflict in Balochistan has also led to widespread social fragmentation, which compounds the mental health crisis. Families who have lost loved ones in the violence often suffer from unresolved grief and trauma, while those who live under the constant threat of violence experience chronic stress and anxiety. The societal stigma attached to mental illness makes it difficult for individuals to seek help, and many are forced to suppress their emotions in order to survive. This culture of silence, combined with a lack of mental health infrastructure, creates a population that is emotionally and psychologically fractured, with far reaching consequences for the region’s social cohesion.
For many Baloch citizens particularly the younger generation, the psychological scars of conflict extend beyond individual trauma to collective despair. The ongoing political and social unrest has left them feeling disconnected from the state and from each other. This sense of alienation combined with an oppressive security environment has pushed many young people toward radicalisation or withdrawal. Those who do not turn to violence often experience a deep sense of powerlessness, as they struggle to reconcile their aspirations with the harsh realities of life in a conflict zone. This emotional burden is not only detrimental to individual well being but also threatens the long term stability of the region as a mentally and emotionally broken population cannot contribute effectively to peace-building or development.
Addressing the psychological impact of the conflict in Balochistan requires a multifaceted approach. At the forefront is the need for improved mental health services, including access to counselling and therapy, especially in rural areas where the effects of violence are most acute. Education campaigns to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness are also critical, as they would encourage individuals to seek help without fear of social ostracisation. Moreover, efforts to reduce the economic and political marginalisation of Balochistan’s youth would go a long way in alleviating the sense of hopelessness that drives many toward depression and substance abuse.
Ultimately, the psychological toll of the conflict in Balochistan is not just a consequence of violence; it is a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention. The mental health of the Baloch people is as much a casualty of the conflict as the physical devastation that has ravaged the region for decades. Without concerted efforts to address the emotional and psychological wounds left by this prolonged instability, the prospects for long term peace and recovery in Balochistan remain grim. Mental health, therefore, must be prioritised as a key component of any effort to resolve the conflict and rebuild the region, ensuring that healing occurs not just at the political level but at the individual and community level as well.
Articulated by: Rukhsar Baloch An independent freelance journalist.
