Publications

Ahmad Paul, F., Ganie, A. U. R., Ali, A., Saikia, P., Zargar, W. A., Subudhi, C., & Bhat, N. (2025). Crisis and mental health: addressing psychological trauma in a multi-hazardous region of Middle East. Medicine, Conflict and Survival, 1–8.

This commentary highlights the severe psychological and humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. On 7 October 2023, a large-scale ground operation, accompanied by bombardments and airstrikes, began in the conflict zone. By December 2024, the conflict had resulted in a staggering humanitarian crisis with a death toll reaching 46,000, with over 107,000 injured. This figure includes 23,843 deaths reported in 2024 alone. The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip reports that thousands remain buried under debris or remain unaccounted for. The authors emphasise that such multi-hazardous environments marked by violence, infrastructure destruction, resource scarcity, and targeted attacks on healthcare create conditions of extreme psychological trauma for the civilian population. 94% of all health facilities are either damaged or destroyed, calling for urgent, coordinated interventions integrating humanitarian aid, mental health services and psychosocial support tailored to the cultural context.  Read Here…

Paul, F. A., Ali, A., Ganie, A. U. R., & Basistha, B. (2025). Imposter syndrome in higher education: A hidden crisis-threatening student mental health and success. Lebanese Journal of Mental Health, (1), 49–5.

The impostor phenomenon (IP) is widely regarded as a widespread problem affecting medical student populations worldwide. Even high-achieving students may experience profound feelings of inauthenticity, inadequacy, self-doubt, and constant fear of being discovered as fakes. Recent literature, from both global and Indian contexts, reveals alarming prevalence rates of IP among medical students and highlights its strong association with depression, anxiety, and stress. The authors emphasise the urgent need for a cultural shift in medical education, one that values emotional well-being on par with academic success. The competitive, high-stakes environment of medical training coupled with institutionalized failure leaves a fertile ground where IS can flourish. To address this issue, the paper proposes multi- pronged interventions: establishing mentorship programs, creating a nurturing academic culture , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy workshops, peer support groups, training the faculty to identify and respond to IP. By implementing these these measures, educational institutions can establish a better atmosphere wherein students can overcome IS, leading to improved well-being and academic performance. Read Here…