The Impact of Prolonged Wars on Children’s Mental Health

The Impact of Long Wars on Children’s Mental Health

Academic research on childhood and war continues to examine the effects of exposure to violence during childhood on mental health. There is a near consensus among researchers that exposure to violence in childhood is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders in adulthood.

The more severe or prolonged the exposure to violence, the higher the risk of developing mental health problems. The impact of violence on mental health is also found to be stronger in girls than in boys. These findings highlight the importance of preventing violence against children and providing early intervention for affected children, as childhood exposure to violence is a major risk factor for mental health issues in adulthood. This is why preventing violence against children and supporting those affected is crucial, and it is something we strive to do at the Syrian Future Movement through our offices in Azaz and Afrin and the Tawad Schools to shed light in the darkness that Syrian children live in.

The Psychological Impact of Long Wars on Children:
War is one of the harshest experiences children can endure, with profound and lasting psychological effects on their health and development. Some of the psychological effects of war on children, as concluded by global psychological studies, are critical to recognize:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A common mental disorder among those who have experienced traumatic events such as war. Symptoms of PTSD can include reliving the event, nightmares, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, and avoiding situations that remind them of the war.
• Depression: A persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Depression can lead to sleep problems, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and even suicidal thoughts.
• Behavioral Disorders: Children who have experienced war may become more aggressive, rebellious, or impulsive. They may also struggle to follow rules and instructions.
• Attention and Concentration Difficulties: Many children who have experienced war have trouble focusing in school and may struggle to remember information and learn new material.
• Social Relationships: Children exposed to prolonged war may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships with others, becoming isolated, quick to anger, or bullying others.

In addition to these psychological effects, long-term war can also impact children’s physical health. Children exposed to war may suffer from malnutrition, weakened immune systems, and growth issues.

It is important to note that not all children are affected by war in the same way. The impact depends on various factors, such as the child’s age, the duration of exposure to war, the severity of the exposure, and the presence of a strong social support network, such as family and friends, which helps children cope with war experiences.

Psychological Support Factors:
There are many factors that can help mitigate the psychological impacts of long wars on children, even if they don’t completely eliminate them. Human beings have the capacity to confront their fears and challenges, regardless of age or circumstance, and supportive factors can assist in making these choices. Experts recommend that both children and adults rely on their choices to overcome the aftermath of negative circumstances. Some of the factors that can help reduce the psychological effects of prolonged war on children include:

• Receiving Psychological Care: Children exposed to war should receive psychological care from qualified professionals.
• Providing Education: Children should receive education tailored to their needs, which is something we strive to provide at the Tawad Schools in Syria.
• Social Support: Children affected by war should receive social support from their families and communities, which is crucial for overcoming the impacts of prolonged war.
• Creating a Safe and Stable Environment: Building a safe and stable environment and ending the war is the ultimate goal, solution, and prevention. With the right support, children affected by war can recover from their experiences and become productive members of their society.

A 2023 study titled “The Effects of War on the Mental Health of Children in Syria” found that children living in war zones in Syria suffer from high rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It is worth noting that there are no positive psychological effects of war on children. War is a harsh and destructive experience for both young and old, causing numerous psychological problems, and no positive experience can compensate for the damage war inflicts on children.

Psychological Treatment for War-Affected Children:
Treating war-affected children psychologically is a challenging and complex task, in addition to the previously mentioned supportive factors. However, treatment is essential to ensure they have a chance to recover from their traumatic experiences and build a better future. Some of the most effective psychological treatments for children include:

Psychotherapy:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): An effective treatment for children suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Play Therapy: A method that helps young children express and process their emotions effectively.
• Family Therapy: Helps families deal with trauma and develop coping skills.

Social Support:

• Providing a Safe and Stable Environment: The sense of safety is crucial for children’s recovery from trauma.
• Building Positive Relationships: Having supportive and trustworthy adults in a child’s life helps them feel secure and stable, aiding in the recovery from the psychological effects of prolonged war.
• Participation in Community Activities: Helps children feel a sense of belonging and support, which we strive to provide at the Tawad Schools in the Syrian Future Movement.

Education:

• Providing Appropriate Education: Tailored education helps children feel stable and return to normal life.
• Psychological Support Programs in Schools: Provide counseling and psychological support to children affected by war.

Healthcare:

• Providing Comprehensive Healthcare: Including both physical and psychological care.
• Proper Nutrition: Essential for both physical and psychological health. Proper nutrition doesn’t necessarily require significant funds but rather an awareness of healthy food, a topic we promote through the Family Affairs Office.

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating war-affected children psychologically. The treatment plan must be tailored to the needs of each child. With the right care and support, war-affected children can recover from their traumatic experiences and become productive members of their society.

Finally, the Family Affairs Office does its best, within the available circumstances, to assist our children in Syria, who suffer from the prolonged war and its repercussions. We extend our hands to anyone who shares our goal and recommend further attention to psychological clinics, especially for children, as they are the foundation of Syria’s future.

Waheba Al-Masri
Family Affairs Office
Research and Studies Section
Articles
Syrian Future Movement (SFM)