In the Gaza Strip, children have endured almost 11 months of war, leaving many as orphans, amputees, or psychologically scarred. Among them is 8-year-old Sama, who has lost almost all of her hair due to extreme stress from the conflict. Sama’s family fled from shelling in Rafah to a hospital only to be bombed again, triggering the sudden loss of her hair. Doctors in Gaza were unable to provide a diagnosis or effective treatment for her condition, suggesting it may be related to fear and stress. Sama’s mother, Olfat, describes how Sama’s mental state has deteriorated, with her longing for her lost hair and experiencing bullying from other children. Save the Children reports that the ongoing violence in Gaza has caused widespread mental harm to children, leading to despair, loss of dreams, and thoughts of suicide. The war has resulted in thousands of deaths and psychological trauma, with little hope for safety or recovery in sight for children like Sama. Despite the hardships, Sama dreams of returning to her ruined home and hopes for her hair to grow back by her ninth birthday. The harrowing story of Sama highlights the long-lasting impact of war on children’s mental health and the urgent need for psychological support and intervention in conflict-affected areas like Gaza.
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Sama, an 8-year-old girl, experiences psychological distress and hair loss
