Dr Julius Elumba: “Repeated exposure to traffic jams can affect psychological well-being”

Recurring traffic jams in Kinshasa cause delays, fatigue and stress for commuters, with possible effects on mental health. Mireille, a computer engineer living in Binza-Village, says her commute leaves her exhausted and stressed despite leaving home early. Physician, sophrologist and behavioral specialist Julius Elumba says waiting in traffic and being unable to change the situation trigger a survival response, increasing cortisol and adrenaline. Prolonged exposure can also lead to muscle pain, headaches, palpitations and mounting fatigue.