The trauma of witnessing war, near and far

It has been just over one month since the Israel-Hamas war began, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The images and reports coming out of this region are dire. Many have been left traumatized from witnessing the atrocities of this war up close and from afar

Some experts say this war alone will create a generation in trauma. That’s on top of the trauma that’s already been experienced by children in the region. Children impacted by trauma can experience long term side effects and regression in their development.

Humanitarians are not just addressing the physical needs, providing food, water, medical care and shelter, but themental health needs of the children experiencing acute traumatic stress.

Experts say addressing the mental health needs in this region will require a long term strategy and the time to address mental health needs is now.

When a disaster of this scale happens, it can impact a lot of people — and not just those directly affected. Secondary trauma can occur simply by hearing about someone else’s trauma. People working with these traumatized populations are at high risk for this type of trauma, as are those of us a world away. Doom-scrolling can cause numerous negative mental health outcomes and symptoms of secondary trauma including compassion fatigue.

This can be exacerbated for those that have ties to the region. What's happening now in Israel and Gaza can be a constant reminder of atrocities that have impacted generations of peoples. For both Israelis and Palestinians, collective trauma, and in some cases, intergenerational traumamakes breaking the cycles of violence even harder.

Trauma has layers. Trauma is complicated. And trauma ripples. In today’s show, we’re examining all the layers of trauma.

If you need to talk to someone, you can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It’s free, confidential and available 24/7.

GUESTS:

Dr. Julian Ford: a clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry and Law at the University of Connecticut Health Center

Rabbi Debra Cantor: spiritual leader of the Congresgation B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom Synagogue

Steve Sosebee: President and Founder of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund

Dr. Taline Andonian: Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Founder of the Resonance Center for Psychotherapy & Healing Artsin West Hartford

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