Written by: Dr. Tawfiq Salman, Consultant psychiatrist and President of the Palestinian Psychiatrists Association
Man, by nature and instinct, searches for two basic things: personal needs and a sense of security. Human culture and experiences interact with nature and the environment in general. Either man overcomes environmental and natural factors or surrenders to them, contributing to the creation of specific environments, such as war and aggression against others. This is what happened to the Palestinian people since the Nakba (Catastrophe), with the imposition of occupation resulting in successive wars and repeated attacks for 76 years.
War has devastating effects on societies in general, especially on children and youth. Palestinian youth experience profound psychological impacts, affecting their lives, mental health, and well-being. These deep and continuous psychological traumas have been inherited and multiplied across generations since 1948. The constant exposure of Palestinian youth to various forms of violence, killing, and deprivation, including direct attacks and indirect stressors such as economic hardship and movement restrictions, greatly affects their mental health. Anxiety, stress, depression, personality disorders, and psychological trauma have come to dominate many aspects of the lives of Palestinian youth due to deprivation and fear of execution, arrest, or restrictions on movement, work, or travel.
War traumas disrupt the emotional, psychological, and cognitive development of children and young people, affecting their self-concept and relationships with others. These effects can resonate for many generations, leading young people to internal or external migration and death at sea, as hundreds of young people in Gaza have experienced. From this environment, behavior disorders emerge, such as self-harm, harm to others, the spread of various drugs, rejection of the law, and rebellion against social systems and customs, leading to a state of chaos, fighting, and societal disputes. This makes young people prey to religious extremism as a means of feeling strong and masking feelings of weakness and pain, or resorting to drugs and abuse as a way to cope with pain and suffering. This is a widespread phenomenon among Palestinian youth, and it is what the Israeli occupation seeks to achieve systematically, armed with the extensive capabilities available to it and its supporters worldwide.
The economic situation of Palestinian youth significantly impacts their psychological well-being, but it is currently in a state of collapse. The war has led to an increase in the prices of basic goods and services, making it difficult for young people to provide necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare. They are forced to allocate more resources to survive, leaving fewer resources for education and personal development. Furthermore, domestic and foreign direct investment has halted due to concerns for public safety, stopping job creation and economic diversification. For example, tourism, once a main factor in boosting the Palestinian economy, is suffering from complete paralysis.
Psychological trauma resulting from war greatly affects the workforce, as Palestinian youth who have witnessed acts of violence or lost family members find it difficult to focus on education or work, negatively impacting productivity and economic growth. Economic hardship increases stress and contributes to mental health challenges, which in turn affects overall health and well-being. The war has also disrupted businesses, factories, and infrastructure, resulting in the loss of many jobs. Palestinian youth find it difficult to secure stable work, increasing poverty and economic instability.
Lack of access to markets and resources hinders youth-led initiatives and startups. The war on the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank has disrupted exports, imports, and agricultural activities, affecting the production and distribution of food, leading to hunger and malnutrition among Palestinians. Unemployment has risen dramatically during periods of war, affecting not only young people but also their families and communities.
The destruction of roads, schools, hospitals, and public facilities affects daily life. Damaged infrastructure means limited access to education, healthcare, and basic services. Rebuilding this infrastructure requires significant financial resources, diverting funds from other vital needs. The economic consequences of the war on Palestinian youth include unemployment, destruction of infrastructure, trade restrictions, food insecurity, increased living costs, psychological toll, and reduced investment, all of which hinder economic growth and well-being.
In summary, everyone in Palestine requires safety, freedom from violence, and the restoration of civil society components. Mental health workers play a crucial role in supporting those with psychological trauma and promoting healing. Psychiatrists and mental health professionals provide valuable insights, empathy, and cultural understanding to facilitate these efforts, aiding in the healing and rebuilding process. It is essential to transition from enduring pain and trauma to fostering deeper compassion and goodwill.
The impact of war on Palestinian youth includes various types of profound and chronic psychological traumas, along with economic hardships. Addressing these challenges demands collective efforts to foster healing, peace, and resilience. This involves supporting the Palestinian economy and addressing basic needs for young people, while also enhancing the capabilities of mental health workers through training and support.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author's views and not necessarily the Association's or donor's opinion.
