How can Ukraine mitigate the mental health impacts of war on its children?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-03-15 02:00

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A week-long camp aimed at providing mothers and children with mental respite during the ongoing war in Ukraine has been able to improve the mental state of the children in the short term, according to international research. The camp goes for six days and is staffed by stress management, recreational counsellors and mental health professionals. Children were also screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and referred for ongoing support if needed. The researchers say of 1291 children who participated, 438 had elevated stress or probable PTSD. 79.4% of the mothers surveyed after the camp had reached out or were planning to reach out to mental health resources, and 75% of the children showed an overall improvement in their mental state after the camp. In an accompanying editorial, international researchers discuss the challenges of providing mental health care in an ongoing crisis, and the need for supporting both the children and the mothers.