Recent reports indicate a rising trend of psychological distress among individuals in Europe, particularly in Switzerland, as visuals and updates from the ongoing conflict in Gaza provoke feelings of anxiety and helplessness.

Notably, the Swiss newspaper reported that mental health professionals have observed an increase in individuals seeking therapy as they grapple with their emotional responses to the crisis.

One case highlighted involves a 30-year-old engineer named Ahmed from the Lake Geneva area.

He described a distinct moment when he began to experience psychological decline, coinciding with escalated military actions in Gaza.

Ahmed articulated his struggle with understanding the rationale behind Israeli military operations, stating, 'When I saw images of deceased patients, I realized there was no logic to it.

What do we do when children are burned?

I then started to feel a downturn.'

In an effort to manage his feelings of powerlessness, Ahmed engaged with the Arab community in Switzerland and participated in protests to raise awareness.

However, he conveyed a deep sense of despair regarding the perception of Arab lives, mentioning experiences ranging from indifference to outright Islamophobia.

Following consultations with mental health professionals, he was diagnosed with depression.

After a year in therapy, he noted a resurgence in his mental health, although he acknowledged a growing pessimism in the face of renewed conflict.

Similarly, Rena, an architect based in Switzerland, recounted how the commencement of hostilities in Lebanon in October 2024 marked a turning point for her mental state.

She expressed feelings of dysfunction and persistent sorrow, stating, 'I realized there is no end to war.

I was crying all the time.' In response, Rena found solace by distancing herself from social media saturated with distressing images, mentioning that seeing real-life fires now triggers thoughts of burned children in Gaza, leading her to construct emotional barriers.

In solidarity with affected populations, thousands of activists from across Europe are scheduled to demonstrate in June, aiming to advocate for a permanent humanitarian corridor in Gaza.

Samuel Kreitinan, a spokesperson for the Swiss movement, stated that direct action is vital for maintaining psychological stability among activists.

The emotional impact of the conflict is felt not only among supporters of Palestine but also within the Jewish community in Switzerland.

Julie, a cultural worker, described her internal conflict amid the crisis, expressing fear over the situation in Gaza and the rising tide of antisemitism.

She reported straining family relationships due to differing views on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and noted feeling silenced in predominantly pro-Palestinian professional environments.

Mental health experts, such as Dr. Ahmad Alfarash, a psychologist based in Frankfurt, are treating an increasing number of patients suffering from depression since the war began.

Alfarash explained that even indirect exposure to violence can lead to psychological trauma, with symptoms paralleling those experienced by direct witnesses.

To mitigate mental health challenges, Julia Notiger, a psychologist working with trauma victims at the Swiss Red Cross outpatient clinic, recommends three strategies.

First, maintaining a balanced media consumption to stay informed while protecting one's mental health.

Second, engaging in meaningful actions that foster a sense of utility, such as assisting refugees.

Finally, she emphasizes the importance of dialogue, urging individuals not to internalize their feelings to ensure they are equipped to support others.