War, oppression and fear: In Iran, traumas are accumulating
War, Oppression, and Fear: In Iran, Traumas Are Accumulating
In Iran, the persistent presence of bombs, governmental control, and societal anxiety is gradually taking a psychological toll. How does this continuous strain affect individuals? What mechanisms allow people to withstand prolonged hardship? Recent tensions have seen military strikes from Israel and the United States directed at Tehran and other Iranian cities, escalating fears among the population.
Protests and Repression
Before the conflict intensified, Iranians gathered in public to challenge the theocratic leadership. The Islamic Republic responded with severe force, leading to the deaths of numerous demonstrators. Daily life continues under strict regulations, with the government enforcing rigid standards on public behavior, including clothing choices for women. Even minor infractions can result in harsh penalties.
Economic Strain and Basic Needs
Compounding the psychological stress are economic sanctions that have worsened living conditions for many. When survival becomes a daily struggle—such as enduring power outages, food shortages, or communication disruptions—individuals prioritize immediate necessities. This focus can lead to heightened domestic tensions, including violent outbursts within families, according to psychologist Dana Churbaji.
“Chronic exposure to violence increases the likelihood of mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression,” says Churbaji, a researcher at Germany’s University of Münster. She explains that people begin to perceive the world as less secure, altering their sense of safety and self-worth.”
Stress and Social Resilience
Those with stable social networks, trusted relationships, and support systems are more resilient to trauma, Churbaji notes. Without such connections, the risk of developing PTSD rises significantly. Acute stress situations, like fleeing for safety, often suppress symptoms as the brain prioritizes survival. However, PTSD typically emerges after the immediate danger passes, when the mind revisits the traumatic past.
“The brain’s struggle to process past events triggers PTSD, which hinders recovery from displacement or loss,” the psychologist adds.
Physical Signs of Mental Strain
When open discussion of mental health is stifled, psychological stress manifests in physical symptoms. Headaches, chronic fatigue, and bodily aches become common, as do menstrual discomforts. These signs highlight the interconnectedness of mental and physical well-being under prolonged pressure.
Long-Term Trauma vs. Single Events
Psychologist Rita Rosner, from the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, emphasizes that enduring trauma over time, such as ongoing political persecution of dissidents, can be more damaging than isolated incidents. “Repeated exposure to violence amplifies the risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD,” she says. This sustained state of alertness, where individuals constantly brace for threats, often proves more exhausting than a one-time crisis like a car accident.
Manifestations of Trauma
PTSD symptoms in those affected include:
- Evading thoughts linked to the traumatic event
- Exaggerated responses to triggers, such as fleeing to shelter during loud noises
- Intrusive memories that replay the past as if it were happening now
- A shift toward skepticism and distrust in interactions
- Intense feelings of guilt, particularly survivor’s guilt
- Disruptions in sleep and concentration
Rosner highlights the cumulative nature of trauma, underscoring how prolonged instability deepens psychological impacts.
