Israel acts on Gaza may increase the risk of mental illness around globe!

Israel’s actions in Gaza have the potential to significantly contribute to a rise in global mental illness. Despite widespread protests and calls from the international community for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution, these efforts have been unsuccessful. The UN Secretary-General has emphasized the urgent need to halt the war and urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and address the root causes of the violence.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in devastating consequences for the civilian population. Disturbing reports indicate that over 10,000 civilians, including a significant number of children, have lost their lives. Additionally, countless individuals have been wounded or displaced, and essential infrastructure such as homes, schools, hospitals, and vital services have been destroyed. The humanitarian situation is dire, with severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and electricity.

The daily exposure to these horrific tragedies through social media, television, and political discussions evokes profound sadness and despair. Witnessing a mother grieving over the lifeless body of her newborn baby or hearing the cries of innocent children searching for their lost parents deeply affects our emotions and well-being. The sight of blood-stained faces of helpless infants, unable to articulate their needs, and the terror experienced by babies whose homes were bombed while they slept are profoundly distressing. These images and stories elicit strong emotional responses that are difficult to ignore.

It is only natural for us as human beings to feel empathy and a desire to assist the people of Gaza. However, the lack of effective action and intervention by authorities contributes to a sense of hopelessness and sadness, impacting our daily lives. The question arises: how can one remain unaffected after witnessing such heartbreaking events?

Hopelessness has been extensively studied and is known to increase vulnerability to negative appraisals of life stressors, diminish belief in one’s ability to cope with adversity, and contribute to adverse health outcomes and depression. Numerous studies have also linked hopelessness and sadness to mental health issues. For instance, research in supportive care for cancer patients has shown a strong correlation between depression, hopelessness, and a desire for hastened death. Furthermore, European Psychiatry has found a significant relationship between anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.

Personally, I am convinced that the overwhelming worries, fears, nervousness, sadness, pain, and disappointment arising from the current situation in Gaza, particularly the suffering of innocent women and children, are unbearable and deeply distressing. Consequently, it is not surprising that individuals who have experienced or been exposed to the Gaza crisis, whether physically or through social media, focusing on stories, news, and updates, are likely to encounter episodes of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and depression.

Considering these circumstances, it is crucial for there to be a collective effort towards an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Simultaneously, public health authorities should recognize the importance of mental health and take steps to assess the impact of the conflict on the mental well-being of the affected population.

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