War, oppression and fear: In Iran, traumas are accumulating
War, oppression and fear: In Iran, traumas are accumulating
The Weight of Enduring Suffering
The relentless combination of bombs, governmental control, and pervasive fear is eroding the psychological well-being of Iranians. How does prolonged trauma affect individuals? What mechanisms allow them to withstand unending pressure? These questions are central to understanding the current crisis in the country.
A Nation Under Siege
Recent conflicts have seen attacks by Israel and the United States intensifying across Iran, with Tehran as a primary target. Before the war erupted, citizens had marched in protest against the theocratic regime, demanding change. The Islamic Republic responded with harsh measures, quashing demonstrations through force. This crackdown led to the loss of countless lives, as protests for freedom and democracy were met with severe repression.
Structural Constraints and Daily Struggles
Iranians now navigate a society where the government enforces strict interpretations of Islamic law, limiting personal freedoms. Rules dictate women’s attire in public spaces, and even minor violations can result in severe penalties. Compounding this, international sanctions have worsened economic hardship, making basic necessities harder to obtain. The constant tension between survival and stability has shifted priorities, with immediate needs like food and electricity taking precedence over long-term concerns.
Mental Health in the Shadow of Crisis
Psychologist Dana Churbaji, who studies the psychological impacts of war and displacement at Germany’s University of Münster, explains that chronic exposure to violence elevates the risk of mental health disorders. “Individuals in persistent danger often perceive the world as less secure, altering their outlook on life,” she notes. This shift can make everyday challenges more overwhelming, as stress levels rise with each new crisis.
“When basic needs aren’t met, family conflicts intensify, and this undermines social bonds, which are critical for resilience,” Churbaji adds.
Those with strong social networks are better equipped to handle trauma, while isolation increases vulnerability. In acute emergencies, people often suppress emotional responses, focusing on survival. However, PTSD typically emerges later, as the mind processes the aftermath. “This condition hinders efforts to recover after displacement or loss,” the researcher explains.
Manifestations of Stress
Psychological strain can also appear in physical symptoms, such as headaches or fatigue, when open discussion of mental health is restricted. Churbaji highlights that enduring prolonged hardship—like political persecution of dissenters—creates a cumulative effect. “Repetitive violence and suppression have left Iranians in a constant state of alert,” says Rita Rosner, a clinical psychologist at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt.
“The long-term nature of this trauma surpasses the impact of a single event, like a car accident, in terms of mental strain,” Rosner emphasizes.
Churbaji further notes that repeated traumatic experiences amplify the likelihood of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. “Each incident adds to the burden, making it harder for individuals to rebuild their sense of security,” she observes. The ongoing struggle to adapt has transformed stress into a pervasive force, shaping both personal and collective resilience.
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