The Trauma of War – Hannah’s Story

The depth of Hannah’s trauma is palpable. “Sometimes she wakes up breathing heavily and fast, frightened that she is going to die. Loud noises and people she has never met – mostly men – also completely terrify Hannah. She needs encouragement and assurance of her safety every day to process the trauma,” she continues.

Teresa Ngigi, the mental health and psychosocial advisor at SOS Children’s Villages, tells us about Hannah. “Going into shock is the only way the brain can protect this child because the trauma is too much,” says Teresa. “Her little body is unable to process all that she experienced, so she just freezes. If there was no one to make Hannah feel a sense of safety in the chaos, then the impact is much worse than if a parent was present.”

Hannah’s past is marred with tragedy. Originally from Mekelle, the capital city of Tigray, she was thrust into the horrors of war on 3rd November 2020 when conflict erupted between the government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The traumas she endured are unimaginable – from being separated from her mother to witnessing her father’s brutal death.

The bleak aftermath of the war sees countless children like Hannah, displaced, traumatized, and in dire need of support. Teresa warns of the long-term consequences if these children are left without appropriate care: “When children are not supported to heal, they develop their own internal working model of the world around them.” She adds that the world these children construct based on trauma can lead them down a path of self-destruction and distrust.

Yet, there is a beacon of hope. At SOS Children’s Villages, children traumatised by life’s hardships find healing and hope. They’re supported by caregivers who prioritise building trust and ensuring safety. “As a caregiver, my responsibility is to ensure that my unconditional presence makes a child feel safe,” emphasizes Kassech. Through simple activities, patience, and affection, Hannah is gradually reintegrating into a more normalized life. She enjoys playing football, hide and seek, and is preparing to return to school.

“I see a smile and a spark in Hannah’s eyes when she is playing,” observes Kassech. “The safer she feels the more she will overcome her fears, and find new energy to learn and flourish. Although she still does not say much, she sleeps better these days without nightmares, and she is slowly getting into the right frame of mind for school and everyday living.”

*Name changed to protect the child’s identity.