The Psychological After-Effects of Watching War from Afar: Can Canadians Experience PTSD?

Accident – Death – Obituary News : The psychological impact of the recent attacks in the Middle East has raised questions about the possibility of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from watching a war from afar. Susan Pinker, a psychologist and columnist, interviewed Danny Horesh, a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, to gain insight into the psychological after-effects of the attacks.

PTSD, which originated as a clinical term to describe the psychological distress experienced by Vietnam veterans, has since become a widely used term to encompass various psychological challenges. Pinker explores why PTSD feels so personally relevant to many people, especially those living in stable democracies who typically have limited exposure to violence.

The fear and distress experienced by diaspora Jews during the attacks is one example of the personal relevance of PTSD. Many individuals felt that their families’ past victimization, such as the Holocaust and pogroms, was being revisited. Some Jewish individuals even considered removing their mezuzah, a Jewish religious symbol, from their homes to avoid being identified as Jewish during the attacks.

However, it is not only Jews who are experiencing fear and distress. Other communities, such as the Palestinian diaspora, also feel the emotional upheaval caused by the violence. Palestinians who have lived in Canada for decades may still qualify for a PTSD diagnosis due to the ongoing fear and grief triggered by the conflict.

The article emphasizes that PTSD is not everyone’s experience of a traumatic event. While some individuals may develop PTSD, others may exhibit resilience and cope with the traumatic events in different ways. The experiences of survivors, such as Zvi Solow, an 89-year-old Holocaust survivor living near the Gaza border, highlight the individual differences in response to traumatic events.

Overall, the article underscores the significance of understanding the psychological impact of war and violence, even for individuals who are not directly experiencing it. It emphasizes the need for mental health support and resources to help individuals cope with the emotional distress caused by such events..