War, oppression and fear: In Iran, traumas are accumulating
War, Oppression, and Fear: Traumas Are Accumulating in Iran
Iranians face a growing burden of psychological strain as bombs, government crackdowns, and persistent anxiety shape their daily lives. What mechanisms allow trauma to build over time? And how can individuals manage prolonged stress? The recent conflict has intensified attacks on Tehran and other regions, with Israel and the U.S. targeting critical infrastructure. Prior to the war, public demonstrations erupted against the theocratic regime, only to be met with harsh repression. These uprisings, driven by demands for liberty and democratic reform, claimed countless lives. Now, citizens navigate a society where the regime enforces strict Islamic norms, limiting women’s public attire and punishing even minor deviations. Sanctions further complicate matters, straining the economy and deepening hardship for many.
Psychological Toll of Chronic Stress
Dr. Dana Churbaji, a psychologist at Germany’s University of Münster, highlights how constant exposure to violence raises the risk of mental health issues. “Those enduring persistent threats are more likely to develop PTSD, anxiety, or depression,” she explains. Survivors often experience a shift in how they perceive safety and self-worth. Basic needs like warmth, sustenance, or reliable communication become central concerns. “When these essentials are unmet, family conflicts can escalate rapidly,” Churbaji adds. She emphasizes that stable social bonds act as a shield against trauma, reducing the chance of PTSD. Without such support, the condition becomes more probable.
“The brain’s focus during crises is survival, not trauma processing. PTSD emerges later as it reconciles past experiences with present realities,” Churbaji notes.
Long-Term Trauma vs. Single Events
Churbaji also distinguishes between acute stress and chronic exposure. “A single incident, like a car crash, might not trigger lasting trauma, but prolonged conflict and political persecution do,” she says. Clinical psychologist Rita Rosner, from the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, underscores this point. “Iranians live under a regime that has systematically suppressed dissent for years, creating an environment of sustained fear.” This persistent state of alertness, she argues, can be more mentally exhausting than a one-time traumatic event. “Each new crisis compounds the psychological load, increasing the likelihood of mental health struggles.”
“Political oppression in Iran isn’t a fleeting issue—it’s a long-term condition that reshapes how people think and feel,” Rosner states.
Physical Symptoms of Hidden Stress
When verbal expression of mental health is restricted, stress often manifests physically. Churbaji points to headaches, back pain, menstrual discomfort, and fatigue as common indicators. “The body can’t always articulate trauma, so it shows through physical ailments,” she explains. For those displaced, rebuilding a sense of stability becomes a challenge. “Without open dialogue about their experiences, individuals may struggle to heal, even as they attempt to recover from loss or upheaval,” the expert says.
Individuals with PTSD may exhibit behaviors like avoiding reminders of past events, reacting intensely to specific triggers, or reliving memories through flashbacks. These intrusive recollections feel as though the trauma is occurring again. Trust in others may erode, replaced by a sense of betrayal. Feelings of guilt, especially survivor’s guilt, often linger. Sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating are also frequent, impacting both personal and professional life. As Iran’s crisis continues, the psychological landscape for its people grows more complex, with trauma no longer confined to the past but shaping their present and future.
