Independence Day 2026: How political turmoil, student protests and social media can affect mental health

Independence Day 2026: Psychologist explains how political turmoil, student protests, social media exposure and prolonged uncertainty can affect mental health, triggering anxiety, anger, hypervigilance, sleep disruption and emotional exhaustion even after headlines fade.

New Delhi: The protest may end, the television ticker may move on and social-media timelines may fill with something new, but the mind does not always follow the news cycle. For people watching India’s recent student-led demonstrations and political developments, the emotional aftermath can persist as anxiety, anger, exhaustion, disrupted sleep or an uneasy sense of uncertainty. As India marks Independence Day 2026, Dhara Ghuntla, Psychologist and Psychotherapist, independent practitioner affiliated with Sujay Hospital, 7 Hills Hospital and Criticare Hospital, had a conversation with News9 Live around freedom therefore extends beyond political rights to another question: what happens psychologically when citizens repeatedly experience uncertainty, conflict and a perceived lack of control?

Recent student unrest has brought these questions into sharp focus. Demonstrations over examination irregularities and recruitment concerns have continued in states including Jharkhand, where thousands of young people protested alleged misconduct in civil-service examinations. In Hyderabad, a separate controversy involving NALSAR students also highlighted tensions around peaceful protest and institutional responses.

When political distress becomes psychological distress

Political events can affect people far beyond those physically........

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