Iranian Mothers Become 'Living Medicine', Build Support Networks During War: Psychologist

By Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- Iranian mothers became "living medicine" for their children during the recent conflict, playing a crucial role in reducing stress, helping young people process traumatic experiences and fostering community resilience amid uncertainty and fear, a University of Tehran psychologist said.

Psychologist and faculty member at the University of Tehran, Dr Neda Maleki, said motherhood, while traditionally associated with care and nurturing, took on a broader role during times of war and crisis by contributing to the resilience and survival of communities.

"In war conditions, it transcends family boundaries and contributes to collective survival. Mothers become carriers of patience, resilience and sacrifice within society," she said at a virtual press conference titled "The Ramadhan War and Iranian Women: From Resistance to Influence" on Wednesday.

Maleki said mothers play a critical role in helping children cope with the psychological impact of conflict by regulating their emotional responses during periods of uncertainty and fear.

She said studies have shown that calm physical contact, a soothing tone of voice and maintaining daily routines can significantly reduce stress levels among children by lowering cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone.

"In crisis situations, mothers are called the living medicine," she said.

Maleki said beyond helping children manage stress and uncertainty, mothers also played a vital role in helping young people understand and process traumatic experiences during the conflict.

"They transformed fear into awareness and created a coherent narrative about what happened. For example, they told their children that what happened was frightening, but it was over and they were still alive," she said.

She said mothers’ role extended beyond supporting their own families, with many emerging as community organisers by establishing informal support networks and mutual assistance groups.

Many voluntarily formed support groups, took turns caring for children, shared scarce resources and provided emotional support to families who had lost loved ones, she added.

"These informal networks, both in Iran and in other countries facing crises, can sometimes operate more effectively than many formal institutions," she said.

Maleki said the experience demonstrated that mothers not only provide emotional security for their own children but also help strengthen social solidarity and resilience in communities affected by conflict.

-- BERNAMA