'This war will traumatise Gazan children forever' - psychologist (Stellenbosch University)
People in Gaza are suffering unimaginable trauma, which will permanently scar the children who survive, says Dr Marwan Diab of the Department of Psychology at Stellenbosch University.
A child finds his way through a rubble-covered alley, following overnight Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on February 25, 2024, amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Lester Kiewit speaks with Dr Marwan Diab of the Department of Psychology at Stellenbosch University.
Listen below.
The effects of war and conflict go far beyond physical pain and suffering.
Almost every resident of Gaza has been exposed to extreme violence, loss, or chronic stress leading to a mental health crisis.
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According to psychologists, there is widespread post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and intergenerational trauma across the region from decades of conflict.
Diab says children are suffering from nightmares and behaviour problems and adults feel hopeless.
The trauma the children are experiencing will affect them for the rest of their lives.
“When they see their parents killed in front of them, can you imagine how they will have to grow up?”
- Dr Marwan Diab, Department of Psychology - Stellenbosch University
“Children need to see that there are practical solutions and that they are gaining back their freedom and childhood.”
- Dr Marwan Diab, Department of Psychology - Stellenbosch University
He says counsellors in Gaza cannot offer robust mental healthcare because people are constantly exposed to more trauma.
Instead, he says they offer ‘psychological first aid’ to support people through their immediate grief.
“To provide counselling you need a safe space, and there is no such thing in Gaza.”
- Dr Marwan Diab, Department of Psychology - Stellenbosch University
He adds that the counsellors in Gaza are equally traumatised, making it difficult to support other people.
“When I was living in Gaza after 7 October, I was displaced seven times in two months.”
- Dr Marwan Diab, Department of Psychology - Stellenbosch University
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.