In the shadow of conflicts like the Israeli occupation’s war in Gaza, children around the world, including in Afghanistan, Sudan, Iraq, and Syria, endure the psychological impact of war. This article delves into the mental effects of war on children and offers guidance on how to help them recover, Psychological Recovery of War-Affected Children.
Positive psychology specialist Taghreed Saab emphasizes the need to address the emotions of war-affected children. “Children of war are sensitive and hurt,” she says, advocating for allowing them to express their feelings and fears. Saab, having experienced war in Lebanon during her childhood, stresses that children shouldn’t be burdened with the expectation to remain strong but should be allowed to grieve while being equipped with faith to accept their reality.
Crying Should Not Be Discouraged
Saab warns against telling children not to cry, as expressing sadness is vital for their emotional health. She advises teaching children appropriate self-protection measures and providing a sense of security, especially for those who have lost family members.
Psychological Issues
Family counselor and community advisor Hamsa Younis outlines the negative psychological effects of war on children, including severe anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, and excessive irritability. She highlights the importance of understanding and addressing these issues, emphasizing the need for psychological rehabilitation sessions.
Helping Children with Emotional Release
In the aftermath of the brutal war in Gaza, Younis notes the increased psychological burden on both children and their parents. She encourages emotional release sessions for parents to better support their children psychologically.
Valuable Advice from Experts
Younis offers practical advice, such as encouraging children to practice deep breathing exercises, recite comforting verses, express their fears, and remember lost loved ones. UNICEF also provides guidelines for dealing with war-affected children, including discovering their knowledge and feelings, validating their fears, engaging in drawing and storytelling, and focusing on positive stories of assistance and peace efforts.
Activities Supporting Children
Engaging war-affected children in morale-boosting activities is crucial. Palestinian photographer Fayez Quraeqa’s video of a family gathering in Gaza and Mohammed Al-Haddad’s video of a recreational activity for displaced children in Khan Younis highlight the importance of such initiatives.
For more detailed information on supporting children psychologically affected by war, visit dzwatch.net , Psychological Recovery of War-Affected Children
