Conflict NewsFeed

Ben Besant Wins Right to Share PTSD Story

Ben Besant, a man who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been given the green light by a court to share his experiences with the condition after it allegedly cost him his job and marriage. The decision comes as protesters flood Sydney's CBD in response to antisemitic attacks.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/lindt-cafe-siege-sydney-anniversary-officer-ben-besant-ptsd/c4584f35-1590-4a18-81df-cbf36a9f4ae2

Dr. Aafia Sues Over Torture at FMC Carswell Prison

Dr Aafia, a Pakistani scientist, has filed a 61-page lawsuit against the US government, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and several prison officials over allegations of torture, sexual abuse, and religious discrimination while she was incarcerated at FMC Carswell. The lawsuit claims that Dr Aafia endured repeated sexual assaults and physical abuse by prison staff and fellow inmates, including being doused with a burning liquid in retaliation for reporting her abuse. Her attorneys, Naim Haroon Sakhia, Maria Kari, and Clive Stafford Smith, also claim that her religious rights were violated, including being forced to strip and having male officers watch her during private moments. Additionally, the lawsuit highlights inadequate medical treatment despite Dr Aafia's documented PTSD and physical ailments stemming from alleged torture in US custody prior to her trial.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1261493-dr-aafia-siddiqui-reveals-difficulties-in-hours-long-meeting-with-pakistani-delegation

3,000 Aussies Die by Suicide Each Year

In Australia, suicide is a leading cause of death, accounting for over 3,000 lives lost each year. The median age of death by suicide is 45 years, which is significantly lower than the median ages of other prevalent causes of death in the country. Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, are the primary underlying factors contributing to these deaths, making up 43% of Australian suicides in 2017-18. According to Lifeline Australia, signs that someone may be struggling with suicidal thoughts include restlessness, emotional outbursts, withdrawal from social connections and activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and increased substance use.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/real-life/article-14107667/depression-husband-suicide.html

Russia's Workplace Stress Soars Amid Military Tensions

According to police and media reports in Russia, workplace stress has increased by 35% despite high labor demand. This trend is not supported by concrete research on the impact of the military situation on Russian society's mental health. However, indirect indicators such as a rise in alcohol consumption suggest that the population's psycho-social state is deteriorating.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/931662-rising-alcohol-consumption-in-russia-the-social-and-economic-consequences-of-the-war-in-ukraine

Dr. Ahmed Warns of PTSD Signs in UK Residents

Dr. Ahmed, a UK-based general practitioner and TikTok content creator, has highlighted four signs that may indicate an individual has undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Ahmed's video aims to raise awareness about the condition, which can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. The signs he discussed include difficulty sleeping or experiencing nightmares, feeling on edge or easily startled, avoiding activities or places that remind them of the traumatic event, and becoming increasingly irritable or angry.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14139845/Im-doctor-4-signs-undiagnosed-PTSD.html

Zhuhai Man's Divorce Revenge Attack Ends in Suicide

In recent incidents of mass violence in China, a common thread has emerged among perpetrators who have carried out "social revenge" attacks, targeting random strangers due to personal grievances. The 62-year-old perpetrator in Zhuhai attacked others after being upset over his divorce settlement and later attempted suicide, while the 21-year-old suspect in Yixing vented frustration over failing an exam and low internship pay before attacking others. Experts such as Dr Zhao Litao from the National University of Singapore and Mr Barclay Bram from the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis have pointed to socioeconomic disparities, weakened social norms, and gaps in psychological support as contributing factors to these incidents. They also highlighted the importance of addressing individual mental health challenges shaped by broader societal stressors such as work pressures, unemployment, strained relationships, or economic disputes.

https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/world-crazy-spate-mass-casualty-incidents-china-reveal-pent-up-grievances-and-anger-4759366

Israel's Mental Toll from Gaza Conflict Escalates

The Israeli military's involvement in the Gaza conflict has taken a toll on its troops, with many afflicted by mental illness. The war in Lebanon has resulted in over 3,600 deaths, while billions of dollars are being allocated to Israel but not provided as aid to Americans fleeing Middle East conflicts. The International Criminal Court is considering indicting US leaders for their role in the conflict. In response to fuel shortages, Gaza hospitals will stop services within 48 hours.

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-kills-many-wounds-33-in-strike-on-lebanons-beirut-18235510