Saving the Lost Generation of Syria

Introduction

The war in Syria has reached intolerable levels of human suffering and despair. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been killed, and hundreds of thousands have been trapped in besieged areas. UNICEF estimates that some 8.4 million Syrian children, more than 80% of the Syrian child population, have now been affected by the conflict in Syria [1]. “In Syria, violence has become common place, reaching homes, schools, hospitals, clinics, parks, playgrounds and places of worship. Nearly 7 million children living in poverty, making their childhood one of loss and deprivation [2]. Peter Salma, UNICEF regional director of Middle East. The numbers of wounded survivors, many with amputations, severe burns, or paralysis, cannot yet be assessed; and at least 13 million Syrians have been forcefully displaced within Syria and into its neighboring countries. Gross violations of international law, such as chemical attacks on civilians, targeting of health facilities and health personnel, widespread breach of medical neutrality, and blocking access of whole communities to food, water, medicine, and health care, have been used as News methods war. The global health community cannot stand by. It is our responsibility to save the lost generation in Syria [1], the survivors of multiple and severe traumas and losses. Many studies examined the effects of exposure to war, conflict, and terrorism on young children which all revealed a wide array of consequences including post- traumatic stress symptoms, psychosomatic symptoms, depression, anxiety, disturbed play, and behavioral, emotional, and sleep problems, Substance use, suicide risk, and Physical disease risk [3, 4]. These mental health and Physical risks following exposure to war and conflict are also seen among displaced populations and among refugees. War can have devastating effects because of the effects on parents, survival needs, and harm to fundamental systems that nurture and protect child development. The greatest effects on children occur when parents are killed, harmed, terrified, or unable to function and when the child experiences violent harm to them or loved ones, threats of such violence, or engages in harming others. Children’s’ responses to the war trauma will vary by the developmental level and personality of the child as well as the situation [5].

Effects vary by the degree of exposure, damage to basic systems for human development, and understanding by the individual child; as well as previous traumatic experiences. Children of all ages will experience anxiety, and in some cases panic, if separated from the people who represent their “secure base” ~ usually parents [6, 7]. Unfortunately, adults sometimes underestimate the impact of trauma on children and youth. Resilience is facilitated by meeting survival needs and restoring basic protective systems for child development, by safety, quality parenting, daily routines, opportunities to go to school and play, etc.

Best Practices for Trauma Recovery

Community: Ensure the presence of supportive care givers, with a solid caring and nurturing relationship with the child. (the most important factor contributing to a child’s resilience is the child’s capacity for expression, attachment, and trust that comes from stable, caring and nurturing relationship with adults) [4]. Children need Safe, Secure, Stable Environments and Communities via (1) Deep understanding of the Local Culture and Practices (Religion, Family structure), (2) Rebuild Social Networks (friends, school, neighbors, play, sport) that promote Support, Healing, Reconstruction, Self-worth, and Trust, (3) Re-establish a Sense of Normalcy, including Daily Routine of Family, Community, and Life (School, meals, Sport), and (4) Education and School: where schooling represent a state of Normalcy, a chance to be with friends, and enjoy their support and encouragement, where they can develop new coping and survival knowledge that builds Child’s Personality, talents, Physical and Mental Abilities to their fullest potential. Family and Individual Therapy: (1) Family Therapy: Parents always must be involved, (2) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (IT, GT): Relaxation Technique, correcting distorted thinking, Narrative and Storytelling about Trauma, (3) Play/Art Therapy: for young children, and (4) Medication: for Severe Symptoms of Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Aggression, Anger.