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All children have a right to mental health and wellbeing

Worldwide, 1 in 7 children experience mental health issues. In the U.S., more than 5.3 million adolescents had a current, diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition in 2023.

For years, Save the Children has responded to the unique needs of children impacted by conflict and displacement. We provide mental health care for children in distress and we know the effects of trauma do not fade overnight.

When the worst happens, we are there, ensuring children can heal and reclaim their childhood.

The war in Ukraine is having a devastating impact on children's mental health

Learn more about our mental health programs for the children of Ukraine

Watch the Story

In Their Own Words: Children's Mental Health in Crisis 

Children are under increasing emotional and psychological pressure as they bear the brunt of the world's worsening crisis. 

In Poland, a young refugee girl stands with other children in a mental health and psychosocial support group

Daria,* 12 years old

Daria and her mother left Ukraine to escape the deadly conflilct but their escape to Poland was not easy. "We were in a bomb shelter," her mother explains, "and from there we went to Lviv by an evacuation train. We were in such a nervous state, not knowing where we were going."

After arriving in Poland, Daria began attending a summer camp supported by Save the Children, where she learned Polish and received mental health support. 

Language barriers, disruption to daily routines, and getting used to new places can impact children's mental health.

"Thanks to being at the camp, I have met new friends," she said, "I have spent more time communicating with others."

 

In Afghanistan, a girl sits alone and looks at the wall of a dark home.

Rahima,* 17 years old

Rahima* was top of her class and loved going to school, but when the economic crisis in Afghanistan intensified and her family struggled to eat, her parents were forced to arrange her engagement to an older man. 
 

Shortly after the engagement, Rahima dropped out of school and stopped talking to her family and friends.  

“I was lost," said  Rahima, a"nd there was pressure from every side - the conflict and pressures from my family - and I became disillusioned about continuing my education. Now I’m slowly improving, and this has happened because of Save the Children’s support. Rasheeda is like my teacher; she has helped me a lot.”

 

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Save the Children's Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Work

Children in distress need to feel heard and to know that people care.  

In Afghanistan, a boy sits alone in a room.

Through mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and education programs, Save the Children has been able to help children better cope with their experiences. Our approach to MHPSS programming is often delivered through our Child-Friendly Spaces, safe spaces were children can redevelop emotional relationships. Some of the activities carried out include: 

  • The HEART (Healing and Education through the Arts) program was designed by Save the Children as a form of psychosocial support in which children benefit from learning to adapt and overcome the distressing situations they have experienced through arts-based group activities. 
  • Our Child Resilience work is a comprehensive programme that addresses children’s wellbeing in a holistic way, recognising that children’s wellbeing is influenced by their interaction with their parents or caregivers, their peers and others in their community. 
  • Psychological support delivered by psychologists which helps children and teenagers understand what is happening to them and cope with their feelings.