In a recent case, Palestinian man Obaiyat was detained in an October pre-dawn raid and later diagnosed with severe PTSD related to his time at Israel's Ktz'iot prison. Medical notes from Bethlehem Psychiatric Hospital described symptoms including anxiety, withdrawal from family, and avoidance of discussion of traumatic events. The hospital noted that Obaiyat was subjected to physical and psychological violence and torture in prison. This case is part of a larger issue of alleged abuses and psychological harm to Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons and camps, which has come under renewed focus amid efforts to secure a ceasefire. Four other Palestinian men detained by Israel since the war's outbreak also described lasting psychological scars attributed to abuses including beatings, sleep deprivation, and prolonged restraint in stress positions during their time inside. The Israeli military has denied allegations of systematic abuse within its detention facilities, while human rights groups have reported grave abuses of Palestinians in Israeli detention.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/01/01/not-interrogation-but-destruction-former-palestinian-prisoners-recount-physical-mental-torture-in-israeli-detention-camps/161737Save the Children estimates that around 6.4 million children in Syria are in need of psychological help due to traumatic experiences such as losing a parent, sibling or friend, and living under strict Western sanctions imposed on the country by the US and European Union since the early stages of the war. The sanctions have limited resources for aid organizations like Save the Children, making it difficult to respond to needs and reach those in need, according to Muhrez.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/more-than-half-of-syrian-children-out-of-school-save-the-children-to-afp/article_0c0e7f5b-f204-56c0-911f-1095886d67e5.htmlIn Gaza, women like Hamami are struggling to cope with the devastating effects of the war. The conflict, sparked by Hamas' October 7 attack on southern Israel that killed over 1,200 people and abducted around 250 others, has left many civilians without access to basic necessities. In a crowded tent shared with 13 family members, including her 8-month-old son Ahmed, Hamami is overwhelmed with caring for her children, laundry, cooking, and waiting in line for water, leaving little time for self-care.
https://apnews.com/article/gaza-women-privacy-displacement-israel-war-ede380202c4464af34bfe3892f28ae9aAs Russia's war against Ukraine marks its third year, a growing need for rehabilitation centers focused on soldiers' mental health is emerging across the country. In response to this need, Omelyan Oshchudlyak, an active serviceman from the Carpathian Mountains, has established a center in his native village to provide support and care to those affected by the conflict.
https://www.voanews.com/a/ukrainian-soldiers-find-rest-restoration-at-carpathian-mountain-retreat/7917062.htmlPsychologists and organizations are warning that President-elect Donald Trump's threats of mass deportations are having a detrimental impact on the mental health of many immigrants. According to experts, the uncertainty and fear caused by these threats is leading to increased anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among immigrant communities in cities such as Los Angeles and New York. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness are providing support services to help mitigate the effects of this stress, while also advocating for policies that protect the rights of immigrants.
https://www.voanews.com/a/voa-spanish-mass-deportation-plan-affects-mental-health-of-many-immigrants-psychologists-say-/7916480.htmlA study led by Professor Özlem Karaırmak and Psychologist Ece Önder found that a significant proportion of survivors of the February 6 earthquakes in Turkey are struggling with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The report highlighted the challenges faced by survivors, such as stress triggered by sensory reminders of the disaster, sleep disturbances, and recurring memories. Many participants reported an urgent need for psychological support, a bleak outlook on the future, and feelings of hopelessness. The researchers emphasized the importance of long-term psychological support and strong family systems in fostering recovery, citing the need for sustained collaboration between public institutions and civil society to address the complex aftermath of the disaster.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/trauma-from-feb-6-earthquakes-persists-study-203207A study has revealed that war-related trauma can dramatically reshape the DNA of children, potentially affecting their mental and physical health for life. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine have led to a humanitarian crisis, displacing families and exposing millions of children to violence and instability. Research suggests that this trauma can alter the biology of children, impacting their development and long-term well-being.
https://indiatoday.in/health/story/ukraine-russia-war-gaza-palestine-conflict-trauma-children-reshapes-dna-2637617-2024-11-22