Forgotten Victims

In addition to the nation as a whole, war has a multitude of consequences and effects on the people who suffer most, which are the ones that tend to be overlooked. When an armed conflict is declared, most tend to automatically feel sorry for the soldiers having to fight on the battlefields and suffer for their country. While this feeling is justified, most do not consider the people other than soldiers that are affected by war. While a war impacts many people, it is pernicious especially to those who cannot help end it. Children are often more affected than some tend to believe. 

Once a war moves into civilisations, everyday lives are turned upside down. Food deliveries become irregular, schools are closed, salubrious neighborhoods are destroyed. With all the negative changes, young children are not able to comprehend: Why? Why did their relatives have to leave so suddenly? Why is everyone hiding at home? Why is everyone so scared? While these questions run through young children’s minds, one can only wonder how this mental stress will affect their future. According to savethechildren.org, the loss of family members and displacement of remaining family “can lead to high rates of depression and anxiety in war-affected children.”

At its worst, such a conflict leaves many feeling helpless. Children will most likely always have to deal with the internal impacts of war if they are given no outlet or means to express their difficult emotions. Even if they are lucky enough to be moved to a placid home, without the right care they will never be rid of the horrors they may have experienced. Unresolved internal conflict can leave children with long term consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or suicidal thoughts. Once people in positions of power start a war with one another, thousands of people are impacted, those who cannot fight, cannot help, and cannot stand up for themselves are often impacted the most. 

Outsiders cannot do much to ameliorate the conflicts of war, but some actions may help alleviate the stress placed on those on the sidelines. One can donate food, clothes, and toiletries to people in need to positively impact the lives of those in harrowing situations.