Families of victim and accused need help to deal with trauma

Parents and family members who have undergone the trauma of losing a child need timely intervention, say psychologists.

Parents and family members who have undergone the trauma of losing a child need timely intervention, say psychologists.

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“The first psychological reactions to such cases are disbelief, anger and lack of sleep. Leaving such depression cases unnoticed will lead to long-term emotional disability,” said Dr Harish Shetty, a psychiatrist at LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai.

Shetty recounted the case of parents of a Class 9 child who was killed by his best friend. The parents were initially on a one-year psychological treatment comprising psychotherapy carried out twice a week, and gradually weaned off to once in a month.

“Visiting the crime site, venting their emotions, helping them find a new meaning in life through donations to schools, was part of their treatment,” he said.

The situation is worse for families of the perpetrators of the crime.

Parents of a 17-year-old who attacked his friend after a tiff were ostracised for having neglected him because of their work.

“I helped them realise they were not at fault for what happened,” said Seema Hingoranny, a clinical psychologist,

“There should be sessions to sensitise students so the siblings don’t feel embarrassed to attend school,” said Dr Zirak Marker, psychiatrist, Saifee Hospital.