Mental health cases rises in UAE as residents haunts Gaza war

• The intensification of the conflict in Gaza and the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes.
• Heartbreaking images and videos continue to circulate on social media
• Israeli airstrikes persist in Gaza, following a brief six-day temporary truce.

The intensification of the conflict in Gaza and the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes in the region has led to a noticeable rise in individuals seeking mental health support at centers in the UAE.

“We have had an influx of companies and individuals who have asked for support during this time,” said Dr Saliha Afridi, Clinical Psychologist and Managing Director of The Light House Arabia.

“Many people are struggling with overwhelming feelings of secondary trauma and collective grief. Some are experiencing PTSD symptoms being triggered due to a ‘war’ in the region, and they grew up in a war-torn country.”

As the Gaza crisis approaches its two-month mark, the distressing reality of a war that has claimed thousands of lives persists. Heartbreaking images and videos continue to circulate on social media as Israeli airstrikes persist in Gaza, following a brief six-day temporary truce. During this pause in fighting, humanitarian aid was allowed into Gaza, and Hamas released captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

“We are noticing the continuous exposure to graphic images and narratives, which has resulted in a myriad of psychological, physical, and cognitive symptoms among individuals witnessing the violence, regardless of their geographic location,” said Hiba Salem, Adult and Families Specialist Psychologist at Sage Clinics, which has also seen an influx of people seeking mental health support to deal with the crisis.

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