Widespread conflict brings plenty of consequences, the impact on the mental health of the civilian population being one of the more significant ones. The importance of talking about mental health, trauma and healing is not emphasized enough. There is still a struggle to separate who someone is and what they feel. The definition of trauma is provided as the body’s emotional response to a terrible event, and a list of events that can elicit a trauma response is listed. 

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding trauma, such as; everyone suffering trauma is violent and unstable, or very severe events can only cause that trauma, and all these are addressed. Tools to help in addressing trauma and helping people going through trauma have been provided. They include calming exercises such as mindful breathing and grounding, window of tolerance, listening, encouraging action, and resources for caregivers.

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