Children suffer the most … How do wars affect mental health?

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has alarmed the entire world because of its catastrophic effects, especially on humans. The American Journal of Mental Health reports that 22 percent of the population living in areas with armed conflict suffers from depression, anxiety, “post-traumatic stress disorder”, “bipolar disorder” and “schizophrenia” and that about 9 percent of the nation’s population suffers from violent conflicts and severe depression. Witness to psychological health disorders.

Displaced Ukrainian family

Symptoms of psychosis may appear after a few weeks or 3 months, including symptoms such as muscle aches, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, headaches, and loss of appetite, and may coincide with other psychological controls over the patient, such as panic attacks, fear, depression, anxiety, and guilt. , And can achieve suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

The most harmful children

Studies show that children and families living in or out of war zones are at higher risk of developing mental health problems. “We have seen earlier war situations in Ukraine, such as depression and increased anxiety,” Dr Monica Barreto, a medical psychologist at Arnold Health Arnold Palmer Children’s, told ABC News.

Although not all children experience trauma, they may react differently to the traumatic situations they see. “Some children may be more impressive, they may find it harder to be calm, and they may be more anxious,” said Dr. Jack Schonkoff, director of Harvard University’s Center for Child Development. “Some children in these situations are very reluctant, do not cry too much, and do not ask. Lots of attention.”

“Sometimes people will look at it and say this baby is fine,” he continued. Sometimes it’s a sign of things to worry about more than others, because these kids are backtracking, they ‘re absorbing what’s going on. “

PTSD symptoms are divided into four types:

1- Feeling like the experience is happening again

The patient may live with the same traumatic experience with feelings such as fear, sounds and spontaneous pain during day or night dreams.

2- Avoid certain situations and places

The victim tries to perform multiple functions or work hard while avoiding the places and persons associated with the accident.

3- Always be careful

The patient is unable to rest with difficulty and anxiety in sleeping. Symptoms include agitation, emotional reaction, anger and irresponsible action or self-destruction.

4- Cognitive and mood changes

Allowing negative thoughts and feelings to create false beliefs about oneself leads to blaming oneself or others.

Psychological therapies focus on the event that caused the symptoms, help to think differently and control negative emotions. Antidepressants can be used to control emotions such as anxiety and tension, to get rid of nightmares and to help with sleep.