Invisible Wounds: Syrian War Trauma and PTSD in As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

Abstract

This article explores the severe consequences and lasting impact of Syrian war on its people by analyzing Salama’s mental struggles in Zoulfa Katouh’s novel As long as the lemon trees grow (2022). Salama’s Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD highlights the psychological consequences of adverse war circumstances on war survivors. Death of parents or siblings, constant bombing, lack of medicines, food and shelter are the harsh realities of war which can trigger trauma in human minds. The study reveals that war can disrupt the normal brain development in children and young people resulting in altered cognitive and emotional functioning. The study not only examines war-induced trauma but also discusses the potential of the human mind to adapt in order to help in the process of healing and resilience. Herman’s theory of trauma and recovery has been used in the article to provide a deeper understanding of mental and psychological struggles carried by war-affected individuals. This study is relevant to today’s social and global concerns and will help the researchers and educators who want to explore and further study on war related trauma and long-term psychological effects of conflicts on young lives.