How Does War Impact Mental Health and PTSD in Syrian School Children?

What you need to know

• Over half (53%) of Syrian school students showed signs of PTSD and 62% exhibited problematic anger issues
• War experiences like displacement, loss of loved ones, and direct danger were linked to worse mental health outcomes
• Social support from family and friends played a protective role but had limited impact given the severity of trauma exposure

The Hidden Scars of Growing Up in Conflict

Imagine being a teenager and spending most of your life in a war zone. The constant stress of danger, the grief of losing loved ones, the uncertainty of displacement - these are the daily realities for students in Syria. While physical injuries from conflict are visible and get immediate attention, the psychological wounds often go unnoticed but can have devastating long-term effects.

A Crisis of Youth Mental Health

This groundbreaking study of over 1,300 Syrian school students revealed the staggering mental health toll of prolonged conflict. The findings paint a troubling picture:

• 53% showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• 62% exhibited problematic anger issues
• 61% reported moderate to severe mental health problems
• 46% rated their general health as fair or poor
• About half had been forced to relocate due to the war
• 40% had lost someone close to them in the conflict

The researchers found that girls were more likely than boys to exhibit PTSD symptoms, though anger issues affected both genders similarly. Students who had experienced direct war trauma like being in danger or losing loved ones showed higher rates of mental health problems.

The Daily Struggle to Cope

Beyond the clinical diagnoses, the study revealed how war trauma affects students’ daily functioning and academic performance. Many reported:

• Difficulty concentrating in school
• Problems with sleep and energy levels
• Challenges in social relationships
• Physical health complaints
• Increased smoking and other risky behaviors

About a third of students had to work while attending school, mainly to help support their families. This added responsibility, combined with trauma symptoms, created additional barriers to learning and development.

The Role of Support Systems

While the study found that social support from family and friends helped buffer some negative effects, the sheer scale of trauma exposure often overwhelmed these protective factors. Many students reported:

• Disrupted family relationships due to displacement or loss
• Limited access to mental health services
• Stigma around seeking psychological help
• Feeling isolated in their struggles

What This Means for You

If you’re working with or caring for youth affected by conflict:

1. Watch for signs of trauma like:

• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
• Increased anger or irritability
• Physical complaints
• Social withdrawal
• Risk-taking behaviors

2. Create supportive environments by:

• Maintaining consistent routines
• Offering opportunities to talk about experiences
• Connecting youth with mental health resources
• Building community support networks
• Avoiding stigmatizing mental health issues

3. Take a whole-person approach that addresses:

• Physical health needs
• Academic support
• Family relationships
• Social connections
• Economic pressures

Conclusions

• The mental health impact of prolonged conflict on youth is severe and widespread, affecting both psychological wellbeing and daily functioning
• Early intervention and support are crucial to prevent long-term consequences, but resources are often limited in conflict zones
• A comprehensive approach addressing trauma, family support, economic stability, and access to services is needed to help affected youth