The past few weeks have not been kind to us. It seems almost impossible to turn on the news or scroll through social media without encountering a disturbing image.
In Lebanon, we recognize the sounds of the war. We know the sound of a jet or a missile because we learned to recognize them, and we know how to cope. Over the past four decades, Lebanon has weathered a 15-year civil war, an Israeli occupation in the south, the July 2006 war with Israel, a series of bombings and assassinations, the more recent Beirut blast, and an ongoing economic crisis. As revealed by a recent study, these relentless challenges have left millions of Lebanese at a heightened risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, in a region marked by persistent instability, there's rarely a "post" to the trauma; the specter of war remains ever-present. When conflict erupts in neighboring regions, fear permeates Lebanon. The silent knowledge of impending war hangs in the air, palpable to all. The atmosphere is charged with tension, and the collective anxiety is undeniable. It's a fear that lingers, impacting daily life and mental well-being. I wake up terrified that something significant happened while I was sleeping. When I wake up, I first get to my phone to check the news. Freedom and safety are sacred, something often taken for granted in more stable regions. The word "trauma," tracing its origins to the Greek language, is inherently linked to the concept of a "wound." Whether consciously acknowledged or not, our experiences of being wounded and the coping mechanisms we employ play a significant role in shaping our behavior, influencing our social interactions, and guiding our perspectives on the world. These experiences can even impact our capacity for rational thinking in matters of utmost significance. By this definition, trauma is the internal response that individuals undergo due to challenging or painful life events; it is distinct from the events themselves. Gabor Mate succinctly formulates this concept by stating, “Trauma is not about what happens to you but rather about what transpires within you.” I lay awake wondering: In war, do our minds find peace? In times of impending conflict, we have a choice in how we respond. We can freeze in fear or choose to grow despite the uncertainty. Many choose the latter, driven by a sense of responsibility and the desire to improve their well-being and support others. The resilience of the human spirit shines through the darkest moments. Amid impending war, the battle within rages on. It's a silent struggle that takes its toll on mental health. Yet, the resilience of the human spirit, the power of choice, and the pursuit of growth offer hope in the darkness. Strength is cultivated through facing adversity head-on and emerging stronger on the other side. No one can plot somebody else’s healing course because that’s not how healing works. There are no predefined road maps for the unique journey each of us must take. We can, however, outline the terrain, describe it, become familiar with it, and ready ourselves to meet its challenges. Through this process, we can learn the inherent principles that guide the path to healing and identify the attitudes and qualities it awakens and responds to within us. As we navigate these turbulent times, we must recognize the strength and resilience that can emerge from within. We can't control external circumstances, but we can choose how we respond and support one another in the ongoing battle for peace within.
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AuthorI was born in 1986 in Lebanon. I'm still trying to find my passion in life and in the meantime I'm learning to navigate my bipolarity and redefining stability. Archives
February 2024
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