A mental health program in Gaza has reported significant positive outcomes for children and adults experiencing severe trauma, according to data collected over the last 32 months. The initiative, which provides self-care and mutual help sessions, has shown a marked decrease in depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among its participants.
Initial assessments of 200 adults in the program indicated that 80% had "severe" or "extremely severe" depressive symptoms. Following completion of five sessions, this figure dropped to "normal" levels for all participants. Similarly, all 200 children and adolescents initially met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. After the fifth session, even with ongoing conflict, only 30% of the children continued to qualify for the diagnosis.
Testimonies from program staff and participants highlight the profound impact of the sessions. In early group sessions, children often drew themselves as dark, cramped figures, expressing sadness and distress. By the end of the fifth session, artistic expressions shifted, with one child depicting herself as a radiant flower and another drawing herself standing beneath a bright red heart.
Dr. James S. Gordon, who oversees the program, expressed admiration for the resilience of the people of Gaza. "The women and men and children of Gaza continually astound and inspire me and our international team," Gordon stated. The program's Country Director, psychologist Jamil Abdel Atti, and his team meticulously collected the data on the most traumatized individuals who participated in the five-session groups.