On the frontiers of the soul

How children react to violence and danger Photo: T. Brandi PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) - that is the medical term for the serious psychological syndrome resulting from going though shock or traumatic experiences. A large number of children in the Palestinian territories suffer to a greater or lesser extent from these symptoms. Around 60% of these children are in desperate need of psychological help says Dr. Twafiq Salman, psychologist in SOS Children's Village Bethlehem and head of the mobile SOS therapy centre. The most recent studies on the adverse psychological effects on children and youngsters of the dramatically worsening situation in the Palestinian territories over the last two years show alarming results. The following symptoms were identifiable: anxiety, unrest and strain, insomnia and disturbed sleep, an inability to control urination during the night, and poor concentration which can lead to underperformance in school. Photo: T. Brandi With the intensification of the situation in the occupied territories, the instances of trauma among children has also risen. The increase in panic attacks which are associated with serious physical symptoms can be traced back, among things, to the shelling of houses, hospitals, religious building; isolation, the waves of arrests and constant presence of violence. Post-traumatic stress disorder can advance so far as to lead to vomiting, migraines, constant loud screaming, loss of voice and even loss of consciousness. Without professional help from medics and psychologists, these psychological disorders can lead to serious depression and from there to suicide, hallucination and violence.