The Take
Can Gaza’s children survive its “colonial trauma”?
Oct 11, 2024
Dr. Samah Jabr, a psychiatrist and head of mental health services in the West Bank, offers a harrowing look into the unending trauma faced by Gaza's children. She discusses the dire psychological impact of ongoing conflict, emphasizing their struggles with PTSD and survival amidst devastation. Jabr highlights the resilience of young individuals like 15-year-old Hossam, while addressing the urgent need for trauma-informed care. The conversation also frames their suffering as a continuous colonial trauma, affecting generations and stifling their ability to heal.
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Quick takeaways
- The ongoing and historical trauma faced by Gaza's children manifests in unprecedented clinical symptoms, complicating traditional recovery methods.
- The lack of emotional support from adult caregivers, affected by their own trauma, exacerbates the psychological distress of the youth in Gaza.
Deep dives
Colonial Trauma and Its Effects
The podcast discusses the concept of colonial trauma as a pervasive and ongoing experience for the children of Gaza. This trauma is identified as collective and cross-generational, affecting not just individuals but the entire community over generations. The intense psychological burden carried by the youth is amplified by their daily exposure to violence and loss, including the deaths of loved ones and the destruction of their homes. As individuals like Hossam, known as the 'Newton of Gaza', try to innovate solutions amidst chaos, the larger narrative highlights the struggle against a backdrop of despair that limits their future prospects.
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