Addressing the Invisible Wounds of War: Mental Health Support for Children in Gaza

In Gaza, conflict, occupation and Israeli military bombardment has left deep scars on young minds. Community Training Center and Crisis Management (CTCCM), with the support of War Child, has been working tirelessly to provide mental health and psychosocial support to children and their families. Through storytelling, movement-based activity Team Up, and counselling, children who have experienced deep trauma have been able to find their voices and regain their confidence. Here are some of their stories.

Ahmad: Finding His Voice Again

Twelve-year-old Ahmad's father was killed when their home was bombed. This trauma and witnessing people buried under rubble left him withdrawn, plagued by nightmares and a severe stutter that made it difficult for him to express himself.

Through a structured intervention, including storytelling, role-playing, and relaxation exercises, Ahmad gradually began to open up. Psychologists worked with him on a range of techniques including recognising though patterns to manage his anxiety and address his stutter. Art and drawing activities allowed him to externalise his emotions in a safe way. Today, he speaks more fluently, interacts with his peers, and is more able to express his emotions.

His mother noticed a profound change. “My child has changed significantly. He is more cooperative and focused. Even though our situation in the shelter is difficult, this support has encouraged me to help my children.”

Aisha: A Journey from Fear to Strength

After her father was killed, being forced to flee and sustaining serious injuries, 11-year-old Aisha struggled with anger, nightmares and disobedience. The trauma had transformed her from loving and cheerful to being anxious, sad and stubborn.

Aisha was referred to a CTCCM psychologist, who met with her several times. She took part in play therapy, positive self-talk, and relaxation techniques which saw her improve significantly. And with her mother's support, she slowly began to heal.

Her mother shared about the change she has seen in Aisha, and what the support means ot her. “Especially after my husband was killed, the presence of CTCCM staff has been supportive and encouraging and I am grateful for the consultations we have had. Aisha has become calmer, more cooperative, and kinder to others. She is also rebuilding her relationship with her sister.”

Hania: From Pain to Positivity

Seven-year-old Hania saw pictures of her home in Gaza being burned down by Israeli Armed Forces. The experience left her incredibly distressed and experiencing uncontrollable anger – she even made several attempts to set fire to her room at the shelter where she was displaced to.

Hania was welcomed into Team Up sessions, which is a movement-based intervention that aims to release emotional stress. She was also provided one-on-one support by a specialist. Through play, dialogue, and positive reinforcement, Hania was provided tools to manage her emotions. The structured group activities allowed her to engage with other children in a safe and guided environment. Through relaxation exercises and guided imagining, she learned coping mechanisms for managing her stress.

“I love you very much,” she told her specialist, a simple but powerful sign of her transformation.

Her mother added that Hania had changed significantly. “She is more obedient and cooperative. She is also more able to focus and pay attention.”

Radeh: A Step Towards Normalcy

At just 13, Radeh has experienced unimaginable horrors – she was a direct witness of her mother being killed by a sniper, and she also buried her father. This left her with symptoms of shock including being withdrawn and anxious, as well as suffering from headaches, stomach pain, nightmares, and anxiety.

Through structured psychological support, she gradually found comfort in creative activities like drawing. She was also supported by specialists who used a combination of techniques to help her manage overwhelming emotions. Participating in Team Up sessions also provided her with moments of interaction and connection, and helped her to express her emotions.

Her sister noted Radeh’s improvement: “She has begun to with people, even joining the Dabke dance group. Her nightmares have decreased, and she is much calmer.”

A Brighter Future

These stories are just a glimpse of the resilience and strength of Gaza’s children in the midst of unimaginable trauma. While their journey to healing is ongoing, CTCCM’s intervention has made an undeniable impact. Each child supported is a step towards rebuilding not just individual lives, but an entire generation’s future.

Our support to children in Gaza continues, but the amount of need requires a global response. All those with power and influence must invest in mental health and psychosocial support in Gaza to ensure that all children receive the care they need to heal, grow, and dream again.

All children's names have been changed.