Psychological support for children and adolescents in military contexts
A manual for professionals working with children affected by military conflict
- Հայերեն
- English
Highlights
Children and adults alike often face both natural and man-made disasters, which can be traumatic and profoundly impact their lives. For children, such experiences during childhood and adolescence pose significant risks to their mental and physical health, psychological well-being, and social development. They depend heavily on the care and emotional support of loving adults, but in war-like situations, this attachment can be compromised due to parental loss, displacement, or emotional unavailability.
Factors such as lost educational opportunities, displacement to refugee camps, and prolonged exposure to adverse conditions contribute to these long-term effects. The recovery of children in emergency situations largely depends on the psychological support provided to their families and immediate intervention after emergencies is crucial in preventing further trauma.
This manual is designed for professionals working with children affected by military conflict, focusing on maintaining and restoring their mental health. It emphasizes the importance of initial psychological support, fostering compassion and trust, and helping children regain a normal daily routine.
It offers both theoretical insights and practical tools, highlighting the role of creative activities like play, art therapy, and storytelling in supporting children's recovery during crises and post-war recovery phases. By providing timely and effective support, adults and professionals can help children overcome trauma and open up new prospects for development.
