How Have War and Climate Change Affected Children’s Mental Health?

In a country exhausted by years of ongoing conflict, children stand on the front lines, paying the highest price. War and displacement—combined with the effects of climate change such as drought, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation—create a suffocating reality where childhood is shaped by fear, anxiety, and a profound loss of security.

These harsh conditions not only disrupt children’s daily lives, but also lead to deep psychological distress that affects their behavior, social interactions, and emotional development.

Children in the Eye of the Storm… Harsh Experiences and Lasting Memories

Children’s testimonies reflect the dark reality they are living. One child residing in an IDP camp recounts the moments of terror he experienced when his area came under sudden attack. He says he still remembers the sound of the explosions as if they happened yesterday. With a trembling voice, he explains that feeling unsafe has become part of his daily life, and that his mother is the only person he can talk to about his fears—his only refuge.

His mother confirms that her son is no longer the calm child he once was before the war. She describes his change by saying: “He now fears any loud sound, becomes anxious about the unknown, and carries burdens far beyond his age. He has never received any psychological support, and all we wish is for the war to end so children can feel they are living a normal life again.”

These accounts are not isolated cases; they represent the experiences of thousands of children who have found themselves direct victims of the war and its consequences.

Climate Change Adds Further Complexity to Psychological Distress

The challenges facing children do not stop at war. Climate change also indirectly affects their mental health. Drought, water scarcity, and unusual seasonal shifts all increase psychological pressure on families—pressure that children absorb and express through: Sleep disturbances A sense of instability Fear of the future Anxiety related to environmental degradation Frequent crying and changes in daily behavior

These harsh environmental conditions reinforce a child’s feeling that the world around them is unsafe, and that danger may occur at any moment.

Worsening Mental Disorders in the Absence of Support Services

Child psychologist Nabil Al-Amoudi confirms that specialized mental-health services remain almost nonexistent. He explains: “There are no clear, structured mental-health services dedicated to children. What exists are individual efforts by some centers. They are not specialized facilities, but they try as much as possible to alleviate children’s suffering through counseling sessions and family awareness.” Al-Amoudi adds that the main challenges facing child-protection workers include: A lack of centers specifically designed for child care Weak funding and support for psychological initiatives

Absence of sustainable programs to address childhood trauma A shortage of trained professionals capable of handling childhood disorders

He stresses the importance of not ignoring any signs of psychological distress in a child, as delays in intervention can make the condition more complex Children’s Future Is Not a Luxury

A child’s future is not an optional concern; it is the foundation of any society seeking recovery and rebuilding. Providing psychological support is the first step toward helping children regain their sense of safety and securing their right to a stable life free from fear and distress.