Scenes of damaged buildings and infrastructure stream from conflicts in Gaza, Haiti, and Ukraine in a near-constant flow of destruction and devastation. Unseen is the carnage that these conflicts can inflict on families—and particularly children—who are left to pick up the pieces long after the military and news crews leave.

How can we help children like these, and also those here in the U.S., with news this month from the Biden administration that asylum seekers who cross the US-Mexico border illegally will be banned?

Around the world, more than 468 million children live in conflict areas. Social workers are helping these children with PTSD, displacement, and abuse. Children like 11-year-old Artyom Davtyan, who had emotional and behavioral issues and suffered abuse from an alcoholic father who has since vanished—all before having to flee Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in September. He is now living in Armenia with his aunt until he and his mother can reunite and return to Artaskh.

In 2020, armed conflict involving Azerbaijan and Armenia decimated the Armenian breakaway state of Artsakh. In 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale military offensive against Artsakh, forcing the population to leave their homeland. With no other options available, all of the displaced individuals sought refuge in Armenia, the only accessible neighboring country.

We hope to pass on lessons learned in Artsakh to our mental health colleagues and humanitarian workers around the globe who sadly find themselves in similar situations.

In conflict areas, people focus on physical survival mechanisms first. When access to essentials like medication, food, water, electricity, and heating is limited or non-existent, introducing mental health support programs is often premature. Well-meaning helpers in the region must prioritize establishing programs and infrastructure that meet these basic needs first, as these are often what the affected children and families urgently require. But it is crucial not only to provide food, water, and shelter, but also to offer support and assurance that individuals/families are not alone and are in a safe environment.

Therapy........

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