Ukrainian Children Face Mental Health Crisis Amid War

The ongoing war in Ukraine has taken a devastating psychological toll on the country’s children, with 43% experiencing psychosocial distress, according to a report by Save the Children.

Cities like Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, have been particularly affected as children endure constant bombings, drone attacks, and artillery fire.

Symptoms such as speech problems, insomnia, and severe anxiety are common, with three in four children reportedly living in constant fear.

Nine-year-old Mariyka Kramska, who remained in Kharkiv throughout the war, began experiencing panic attacks and sleep disturbances after her hometown was bombarded.

Therapy provided by organizations like the Kinder Velt Center and Litokryl has offered some relief, but the trauma remains deeply ingrained.

The war has displaced one-third of Ukraine’s population, with 1,800 children among the civilian casualties recorded by the UN.

Despite efforts by aid organizations, the mental health crisis continues to escalate, particularly in cities like Kharkiv, where civilian infrastructure and schools have been targeted.