The head of the Iranian Social Psychology Association announced that, based on the "latest statistics and extensive studies," at least 35% of the population is currently suffering from psychological well-being disorders. Majid Safariniya stated that "mental health in our country is lower than the global average" and added: "Social events from 2019 to the present, including social protests, the outbreak of the coronavirus, poverty resulting from economic problems, and facing uncertainty due to war, have created insecurity for a large portion of the Iranian population and have threatened their mental health." Clinical psychologist Laleh Mehrad, in an interview with Voice of America on October 30, attributed the psychological problems of the Iranian people to 45 years of Islamic Republic governance and said: "In addition to the uncertainty regarding the onset of a new war that has endangered the mental health of the people, many Iranians are still grappling with both overt and covert psychological issues stemming from the eight-year war with Iraq." Mehrad noted that the possibility of war could increase citizens' stress and anxiety levels. She also pointed out that numerous economic and social problems during the Islamic regime's rule in Iran have contributed to the psychological issues faced by the people and advised all Iranians to seek help from specialists to avoid "mental exhaustion" and to reduce existing psychological pressures as much as possible. Earlier, on October 23, 2023, a psychiatrist warned that the Iranian people do not experience feelings of satisfaction, security, or stability. Reza Daneshmand cited studies indicating that the main factors contributing to the increase in psychiatric disorders or symptoms are related to individuals' economic and social conditions, as well as poverty and unemployment. He emphasized that "today we are facing the psychological effects of last year's events, effects that will intensify in the future."
Warning from the Iranian Psychological Society Regarding Mental Health Disorders Due to Recent Events
The Iranian Psychological Society warns that over a third of the population suffers from mental health issues due to social unrest, economic hardship, and the lingering effects of past wars. Experts attribute these problems to decades of governance by the Islamic Republic, urging citizens to seek professional help to mitigate mental exhaustion. This situation highlights the ongoing psychological crisis in Iran amidst political and social instability.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Iranian Psychological Society has reported that over 35% of the population is experiencing mental health disorders due to ongoing social unrest and economic difficulties. Experts attribute these issues to decades of governance by the Islamic Republic and the lingering effects of past wars.
- 35% of the Iranian population suffers from psychological well-being disorders.
- The mental health situation in Iran is reported to be lower than the global average.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has faced decades of political repression, economic hardship, and social unrest, all of which contribute to widespread mental health issues among its citizens.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%