Protests bad for your health, government specialist warns
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Ongoing political turmoil might affect people's mental health, according to the government.
Director-general of the Mental Health Department Jessada Chokdamrongsuk issued this warning Tuesday, after a recent survey found two thirds of polled people said they experienced stress, especially those living near the protest sites.
Jessada said that stress could cause people to develop physical impacts such as insomnia, muscle strains, headache and worsen heart disease or high blood pressure. They might also feel anxiety, aggression and mood swings, according to how situations develop.
He said prolonged stress could lead to depression and possible suicidal thoughts. He also warned that besides the protesters, people working at rally sites such as medical personnel, rescue workers or volunteers could also suffer from stress due to urgent situations, pressure, fear and unsafe conditions.
The Nation
