2023-10-27 10:42:41
Title: The Devastating Psychological Impact of War on Children
Subtitle: Children Suffer Unseen Consequences Amidst Destruction and Loss
By Sherine Youssef, Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist
In a world plagued by human greed and devastating conflicts, it is the innocent children who bear the brunt of the consequences. The recent collapse of a house, where once they sought shelter, serves as a grim reminder of the horrors they endure. As stones fell and the sounds of children screaming echoed, humanity seemed absent. The question remains: where is humanity in all of this?
Children, being the most vulnerable group, experience the most profound effects of war. The psychological and physical symptoms they develop have long-term repercussions on their well-being. One of the most prominent psychological problems among war-affected children is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It causes them to relive traumatic experiences repeatedly in their minds, leading to fear of loud sounds and strong reminders of war and terrorism. Consequently, they isolate themselves from places and people associated with their traumatic past.
Notably, these children exhibit changes in their daily needs, such as eating and sleeping patterns, while also displaying fluctuations in mood and behavior. The consequences are dire – children being killed, maimed, recruited as soldiers, or subjected to sexual violence. Unfortunately, the psychological destruction inflicted upon them often goes unnoticed and untreated in our Arab world. Psychological trauma does not heal with time; it is perpetuated and nourished. The reactions vary from fear and a sense of loss to helplessness.
In the midst of war, detecting these psychological conditions becomes vital. The biggest obstacle lies in their inability to properly express their emotions and experiences. Hence, it is crucial to provide support and aid to these children as they overcome their trauma. Attention should be directed towards identifying pathological symptoms such as difficulty breathing, anxiety, behavior changes, hostility, eating and sleeping disruptions, headaches, and physical pain caused by torture and exposure to violence. Play, reenactment of war scenes, and drawing are common outlets for children to express their true feelings, often manifesting as depression, constant need for affection, emotional dependency, anxiety, tension, and isolation from society. Furthermore, the long-term effects of war on their social and educational development should not be overlooked.
Being too young to comprehend the true nature of the conflicts they are trapped in, these children lack the tools necessary to defend themselves. If they manage to avoid death or capture, they often face torture, forced recruitment, and utter devastation. There are several ways to describe their relationship with war – they are children of war, children in war, children victimized by war, and children who bear witness to war.
War irreversibly transforms a child, snatching away the essence of their childhood innocence and dreams, replacing it with fear and chaos. In mere moments, they lose their sense of safety, stability, and love, plunging them into despair, devoid of hope for a better future. Once filled with enthusiasm for life, they become aged before their time, abandoning their ambitions and living in perpetual fear. They lose the courage to dream, think, and embrace life.
The psychological impact of war on children is profound and demands immediate attention. Only through understanding and addressing their trauma can we hope to protect an entire generation from irreversible damage. It is our duty as a global society to provide the necessary support, resources, and interventions to restore their shattered spirits and help them rebuild their lives.
**Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of CNN Economics.**]
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