Analysis of Mental Health in Palestine Articles

When exploring mental health in Palestine, it’s crucial to examine the underlying causes of distress among Palestinians, particularly settler colonialism. The dominant Western medical framework often overlooks the structural and political contexts that contribute to suffering. To truly understand the impacts of colonial violence on mental health, we must move beyond individual-focused perspectives and recognize the broader socio-political determinants at play.

For instance, in the study “Palestine and Settler Colonialism,” it mentions a Palestinian therapist's experience with an Israeli supervisor while treating a Palestinian patient. This patient, a man in his 30s, expressed a sensation of having a "ball in [his] throat." While the therapist suggested medical intervention, it wasn’t until the Israeli supervisor stepped back that the patient revealed the root cause of his discomfort: the trauma inflicted upon him and his daughter at a military checkpoint. It was at this point that it became evident that the occupation's brutality was the main problem. The answer did not lie in medicalization or psychiatric intervention; rather, it required dismantling the oppressive system itself. Adopting a structural approach to mental health allows us to frame Palestinian distress through an anti-colonial lens.

Research has shown that interventions aimed at fostering agency—such as activism (Cavazzoni et al., 2021; Veronese, Sousa et al., 2020; Veronese, Pepe et al., 2019)—and building community through culturally informed practices (Afana et al., 2020) yield more meaningful benefits than traditional medical responses. These approaches honor the lived experiences of individuals and address the structural realities they face (Afifi, 2023).

In the article “Sick or Sad? Supporting Palestinian Children Living in Conditions of Chronic Political Violence,” the authors criticize the tendency to overly focus on mental disorders. This perspective risks misrepresenting the responses of Palestinian children, who often react to their traumatic circumstances in ways that do not necessitate medical intervention. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes like political violence and occupation through broader structural changes such as improving security, governance, and upholding human rights rather than solely relying on medical treatment (Rabaia, 2014).

This highlights a crucial point that the pursuit of mental health in Palestine cannot overlook the fundamental need for freedom.We must seek alternative models that encompass the complexities of mental health in this context, moving beyond purely biomedical frameworks.

In Gaza, children have been exposed to trauma that is unparalleled in the modern world. Play, a fundamental aspect of childhood development, has often been obstructed by conflict. Dr. Jess Ghannam’s initiative to create therapeutic playgrounds in Gaza challenges conventional Western approaches to trauma. These community spaces not only facilitate play but also foster connections that provide protective emotional and physical benefits. 

By centering community, agency, and the dismantling of oppressive structures, we can better address the mental health needs of Palestinians, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of healing.