Understanding Civilian Trauma:

Civilian trauma refers to the psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical effects experienced by non-combatants during or after exposure to distressing or violent events, such as:

Causes of Civilian Trauma:

War and Armed Conflict

Bombings, shootings, forced displacement
Loss of family, friends, homes
Witnessing death or violence

Natural Disasters

Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes
Sudden displacement and loss of property or loved ones

Terrorist Attacks

Sudden acts of violence in civilian spaces (e.g., markets, schools)

Refugee and Migration Trauma

Fleeing war or persecution
Living in refugee camps under harsh conditions

Community Violence

Gang violence, domestic abuse, or civil unrest

Psychological Effects:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness
Acute Stress Reaction
Anxiety, confusion, insomnia immediately after the trauma
Depression and Grief
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in life
Survivor’s Guilt
Feelings of guilt for surviving when others did not
Disrupted Identity and Belonging
Particularly common in displaced or refugee populations

Long-Term Impacts:

Impaired cognitive and emotional development (especially in children)
Intergenerational trauma
Breakdown of social cohesion and trust in institutions
Increased substance abuse, suicide risk, or domestic violence

Recovery and Support Strategies:

Psychological First Aid (PFA) in immediate aftermath
Trauma-informed care from professionals
Community support networks and cultural healing practices
Safe environments (physically and emotionally)
Long-term therapy: CBT, EMDR, group counseling

Refugee Trauma:

Refugee trauma refers to the deep psychological and emotional distress experienced by individuals who are forced to flee their home country due to war, persecution, violence, or disaster. It includes both pre-migration trauma (before escape), migration trauma (during the journey), and post-migration trauma (after resettlement).

Key Causes of Refugee Trauma:

Pre-Migration Trauma:

Exposure to war, bombings, or armed conflict
Ethnic, religious, or political persecution
Torture, rape, or violence
Forced separation from or death of loved ones

Migration Trauma:

Dangerous journeys by foot, sea, or vehicle
Human trafficking or exploitation
Starvation, dehydration, physical harm
Detention or pushbacks at borders

Post-Migration Trauma:

Living in refugee camps or detention centers
Uncertainty about legal status or asylum
Social isolation, culture shock, or discrimination
Fear of deportation or lack of access to healthcare and work

Psychological Effects of Refugee Trauma:

PTSD: Flashbacks, nightmares, hyperarousal
Depression: Sadness, hopelessness, loss of meaning
Anxiety Disorders: Constant fear, panic attacks
Complex Grief: Prolonged mourning for loss of home, community, family
Identity Confusion: Loss of cultural, national, or personal identity
Survivor’s Guilt: Feeling guilty for having escaped while others did not

Effects on Children and Adolescents:

Developmental delays
Separation anxiety
Bedwetting, nightmares
Aggression or emotional withdrawal
School difficulties due to trauma or language barriers

Healing and Support Strategies:

Basic Needs First

Stable housing, food, safety, and legal aid

Mental Health Support

Trauma-informed care from culturally sensitive providers
Individual or group therapy (CBT, EMDR, narrative therapy)
Art, play, or movement therapy for children

Social and Community Integration

Language education, employment assistance, community programs
Religious or cultural groups that offer familiarity and support

Cultural Sensitivity

Acknowledging values, beliefs, and identity in the healing process

Long-Term Stability

Pathways to citizenship, education, employment, and safe living conditions

Civilian Trauma in War Zones:

Civilian trauma in war zones refers to the profound psychological, emotional, and physical harm experienced by non-combatants who are exposed to the horrors of armed conflict. These individuals often face sudden violence, displacement, and the collapse of social order — leaving lasting scars on mental health and community well-being.

Sources of Civilian Trauma in War Zones:

Direct Exposure to Violence

Bombings, shootings, drone strikes
Seeing loved ones injured or killed
Being injured or mutilated themselves

Forced Displacement

Fleeing homes under fire
Living as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs)

Loss of Basic Infrastructure

No access to food, water, electricity, or medical care
Collapsed educational systems and destroyed hospitals

Sexual Violence and Exploitation

Rape used as a weapon of war
Human trafficking and gender-based violence

Psychological Warfare

Constant fear, rumors, and terror tactics
Use of propaganda or deliberate targeting of civilians

Family Separation and Death

Children orphaned or abducted
Parents witnessing their children die, or vice versa

Psychological and Emotional Effects:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness
Acute Stress Reaction
Shock, disorientation, anxiety, insomnia
Depression and Despair
Loss of meaning, suicidal ideation, hopelessness
Grief and Bereavement
Complex grief due to violent or mass death
Moral Injury
Loss of faith in humanity or spiritual disorientation
Childhood Trauma and Developmental Delay
Lifelong emotional and cognitive consequences

Impact on Children:

Increased risk of PTSD, anxiety, and behavioral issues
Difficulty concentrating or trusting adults
Loss of schooling, friends, and sense of safety
Recruitment as child soldiers in some conflicts

Approaches to Healing and Recovery:

Psychological First Aid (PFA)

Calming techniques, safety, practical help, and emotional support

Long-Term Mental Health Support

Trauma-focused therapy (CBT, EMDR)
Community-based psychosocial programs

Safe Spaces and Stabilization

Secure shelters, reunification with family, access to basic needs

Education and Routine for Children

Restoring normalcy through school and play

Cultural and Spiritual Healing

Traditional ceremonies, religious support, or community leaders’ involvement

International Humanitarian Aid

Medical, nutritional, and mental health services from NGOs and agencies

Shervan K Shahhian