Supporting Refugees | Invisible Wounds: The impact of six years of war on the mental health of Syria’s children

Invisible Wounds: The impact of six years of war on the mental health of Syria’s children

At least three million children under the age of six know nothing but war. For many Syrian children, prolonged exposure to war, stress and uncertainty has left them in a state of “toxic stress.” Some of the immediate impacts of this stress are increased bedwetting, self-harm, suicide attempts and aggressive or withdrawn behaviour. Left untreated the long-term effects may be even greater. Save the Children has completed the largest and most comprehensive study of Syrian children’s mental health and well-being. This 25-page report documents the impact of war on children and their families and ends with recommendations for creating solutions.