How growing up in war really affects an 11-year-old child

How growing up in war really affects an 11-year-old child

The text you’ve shared includes excerpts from a BBC article discussing the psychological impact of war and displacement on children, with historical references and expert insights. Here is a concise summary and key points from the passage:

### Summary:

**Impact of War and Displacement on Children’s Mental Health:**
– Exposure to war and forced displacement significantly increases the risk of mental health problems for children.
– A study from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London after WWII found that only 21% of children treated for trauma had recovered four years post-war.
– Parental reactions to trauma heavily influence children’s responses—parents can either exacerbate or alleviate children’s anxiety.

**Therapy and Overcoming Fear:**
– Personal testimony highlights the role of therapy, medication, and family support in healing from trauma.
– Encouraging survivors to confront and control their fears can facilitate recovery. For example, Control Focused Behavioural Treatment (CFBT), developed for earthquake survivors, helps individuals regain control over fear responses.
– Israeli psychologists working with children rescued from Hamas captivity stress the importance of restoring a sense of control and stability.

**Creating Stability Amid Ongoing Conflict:**
– Stability involves ensuring physical safety, parental wellbeing, access to education, and routine—all crucial for mental wellbeing.
– Achieving stability is challenging in active conflict zones with disrupted ceasefires and ongoing displacement.

**Case Study: The Rwandan Genocide**
– Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse, a survivor and author, experienced first-hand the trauma of genocide and evacuation.
– Despite extreme trauma, supportive environments and stability have profound effects on recovery.

### Key Themes:

– War exposure increases risk for long-lasting psychological problems.
– Parental support plays a critical role in children’s trauma responses.
– Regaining a sense of control is essential in therapeutic approaches.
– Stability (safety, education, routine) is vital but hard to secure in conflict zones.
– Personal resilience and supportive social networks can aid recovery from severe trauma.

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Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More