NHD topic

Well Dad, My NHD topic is mainly about the psychological impacts the Holocaust had on its victims and their families. I chose this topic because I've noticed that, unlike the actual events of the Holocaust, this topic isn't discussed nearly as much. The Holocaust survivors are widely known for their ability to conform and continue living in a normal society as if nothing happened. But from what I've learned the true effects of the Holocaust didn't show for about 40-50 years later, when they began to retire and live on their own. Once they weren't busy each day with work or kids, their minds started to show signs of PTSD, anxiety, depression and survivor guilt. Survivor guilt is the feeling that they shouldn't have lived, or the feeling that they must make sure everyone else is safe and happy, this guilt leads people to believe they'll never be able to fulfill their children needs and they distance themselves from their kids, family members, and friends.

My National History Day topic is focused on first and second generation psychological effects of the Holocaust. I chose this topic because I was appalled how unexplored it was. Most of the refugees who fled from Germany to other countries weren't given any financial or mental help. Unlike many reports on the events of the Holocaust, there is little discussion of the fact that the Holocaust had a major psychological impact on its victims and everyone they came in contact with on a regular basis. There are record amounts of mental illness in concentration camp inmates and their offspring. PTSD, anxiety, and depression is often passed down to children even if they had not experienced the genocide for themselves. Only in recent years have organizations been created for the sole purpose of preserving the mental stability of anyone affected by the events in Germany.


Work time : 2 hours