A disturbing trend among children: it affects even the youngest
Ukraine is witnessing a rapid increase in the number of children in need of psychological support. In particular, problems previously considered typical of adolescents are increasingly appearing at younger ages. Psychologists have recorded a decrease in the age of manifestations of depression, apathy, and a tendency to self-harm, which even nine-year-old children are resorting to.
Experts believe that four years of war have caused an unprecedented psychological burden on children. According to the organization Gen.Ukrainian, approximately four million Ukrainian children need professional psychological help, and 80% of them are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorders.
Natalia Mraka, a psychologist, notes that under constant stress, children have difficulty concentrating, their memory deteriorates, and interest in usual activities diminishes. This negatively affects their education and social life.
Cases of self-harm, which previously occurred mainly among adolescents, are alarming. Oksana Lebedeva, founder of Gen.Ukrainian, emphasizes that now such behavior is noticeable even in much younger children, which is a dangerous signal of a psychological crisis that requires urgent attention from adults.
In addition to psychological difficulties, children also complain of physical problems. Pediatrician Natalia Moroz, who collaborates with Gen.Ukrainian, reported that young patients are increasingly complaining of headaches, stomachaches, and even heartaches, symptoms that are usually not observed in peacetime. This indicates the body’s reaction to a prolonged traumatic situation that children cannot cope with on their own.
Experts emphasize that Ukrainian children are experiencing the consequences of chronic stress, which can have long-term implications without adequate support. Psychologists urge parents to be attentive to their children’s emotional state, to notice changes in behavior, and, if necessary, to seek help from specialists.
