Gaza Children’s Trauma: Psychologist’s Diary Reveals Devastating Psychological Toll of War
Vienna, Austria – A newly published diary by child psychologist Katrin Glatz Brubakk, detailing her experiences with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in the Gaza Strip, paints a harrowing picture of the war’s impact on the region’s children. The breaking news comes as a fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance, with recent reports of renewed conflict threatening to undo any progress made towards stability. This isn’t just a story about physical destruction; it’s a story about shattered childhoods and the urgent need for sustained psychological support – a need that is currently unmet.
Mona’s Story: A Six-Year-Old’s Resilience Amidst Devastation
The diary centers around the story of Mona, a six-year-old girl who lost her two brothers in a bombing that ignited a gas cylinder in her family home. Mona herself suffered massive burns, requiring syringe feeding and enduring immense pain. “Her face was swollen, she had to be fed with a syringe. The girl was in a lot of pain,” Glatz Brubakk recounts. But even in the face of such tragedy, Mona’s spirit shone through. She clung to hope, expressing her desire not for a new home, but for a dollhouse – a safe space to rebuild a semblance of normalcy with her surviving sister, who is currently in intensive care due to internal injuries sustained in the blast.
Glatz Brubakk, working with limited resources, crafted a dollhouse from medication boxes with Mona. The dolls within weren’t new; they were salvaged from the rubble, bearing the marks of the trauma they’d endured. Mona carefully placed “burnt dolls” representing herself and her sister inside, creating a miniature world where they could survive and play together. This act, Glatz Brubakk explains, is a powerful example of “children’s language is play” – a way to process and express unspeakable pain and a desperate longing for a future.
Beyond Physical Wounds: The Invisible Scars of War
The diary underscores that the war’s damage extends far beyond physical injuries. Glatz Brubakk estimates “hundreds of thousands of children are traumatized,” facing long-term psychological consequences. The lack of adequate resources for large-scale psychological support is a critical concern. “First of all, the children need something like a normal everyday life. They need security. That’s why the war has to stop in the long term,” she emphasizes. This isn’t a problem that will resolve itself with a ceasefire; it requires sustained, dedicated intervention.
Evergreen Insight: Childhood trauma, particularly in conflict zones, can have lasting effects on brain development, emotional regulation, and social functioning. Early intervention is crucial to mitigate these effects and prevent long-term mental health issues. Organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children offer resources and guidance on supporting children affected by trauma. (Link to UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/)
A System Under Strain: The Burden on Palestinian Healthcare Workers
The psychological toll isn’t limited to the children. Glatz Brubakk highlights the immense pressure faced by her Palestinian colleagues, who are simultaneously dealing with the horrors of the hospital and fearing for their own families. “They suffer from multiple stresses…And unlike me, they cannot leave Gaza again after their deployment,” she notes. One colleague poignantly stated, “We don’t have the privilege of collapsing now.” This underscores the systemic challenges and the resilience of those working on the front lines of this crisis.
Urgent Call for Evacuation and International Support
Thousands of children in Gaza require urgent medical evacuation for treatment of severe injuries, including amputations and cancer. Glatz Brubakk criticizes Austria’s lack of action, stating, “A child with cancer in the Gaza Strip cannot wait until the hospital that was completely bombed is rebuilt. He needs help now.” She urges European nations to collaborate and provide immediate assistance, recognizing that these children’s lives depend on access to specialized care outside of Gaza.
The fragile ceasefire, recently challenged by reported attacks from Hamas and subsequent Israeli airstrikes, serves as a stark reminder of the precarious situation. A renewed offensive would undoubtedly exacerbate the psychological trauma already inflicted on the children of Gaza, potentially creating a generation scarred by conflict. The diary serves as a powerful plea for peace and a call to action to prioritize the well-being of these vulnerable children.
Glatz Brubakk’s “Diary from Gaza” is a vital document, offering a deeply human perspective on a complex crisis. Her work, and the stories of children like Mona, demand our attention and compel us to advocate for a future where all children can live in safety and security. Stay updated with the latest developments on archyde.com as we continue to cover this unfolding story and provide in-depth analysis of global events.
Learn More: Actor Karl Markovics will be reading from “Diary from Gaza” at the Odeon Theater in Vienna on October 21st at 6 p.m., followed by a conversation with Glatz Brubakk. Register for the event here.
