Children suffer the most in crises, and more than seven million children in Ukraine have experienced violence, displacement and disrupted education over the past three years. These traumatic events will shape their lives for years to come.
But children who have experienced trauma, or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), are not defined by violence. Data continues to show that with loving relationships and therapeutic support, children can heal and build resilient, bright futures beyond their traumatic experiences.
Lika Anna*, a ten-year-old girl whose journey from paralyzing fear to stability and peace demonstrates the life-changing power of loving relationships and trauma-informed care.
Understanding the impact of trauma on children’s mental health
A dropped book, a slammed door, a burst of laughter—any loud, sudden sound and Anna would dissolve into uncontrollable trembles.
She felt consumed by anxiety and dark memories after she witnessed her family suffer brutal acts of violence and her neighbor’s home reduced to rubble during the war in Ukraine.
Although she and her family were now safe, she struggled to function, still haunted by the trauma she experienced. She felt trapped by the tension knotting her muscles, and the fear that wouldn’t let her close her eyes at night—terrified of the missiles that might rain down on her family while she slept.
If left unaddressed, these traumatic childhood experiences could have followed Anna into adulthood with devastating consequences.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) trigger toxic stress, and without the presence of a loving, trusted adult to help regulate this response, healthy brain and body development are severely disrupted—leading to an increased risk of mental health challenges and chronic diseases.
But these damaging effects aren’t the end of a child’s story. With the right support, these symptoms can be managed, reduced or even reversed.
Learn more about how childhood trauma shapes lifelong health.
How loving relationships and trauma-informed care help children heal
Because of generous people like you, Anna wasn’t left to endure the trauma alone.
A psychologist with SOS Children’s Villages’ mobile mental health clinic, Natalia, noticed the young girl’s debilitating anxiety and approached Anna’s mother, suggesting one-on-one counseling sessions.
“It didn’t take long for Anna to open up about her fears of explosions, darkness and violence, loss, mistakes and loneliness,” Natalia said.
In a peaceful, quiet setting, Natalia helped the young girl process the trauma she experienced through counseling, art therapy and breathing exercises. This mental health support also helped Anna develop coping mechanisms to help her heal and increase her resilience for future stressful situations.
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“Her mother shares [that Anna] sleeps through the night now,” Natalia said. “She is calmer, more grounded and more optimistic about her future.”
Because of compassionate and generous friends like you, Anna has the safe, loving home and trauma-informed mental health care she needs to process her experiences, heal and thrive after trauma!
Why love matters for mental health healing
Research consistently highlights that experiencing love is a biological necessity for children.
A stable, caring relationship with a trusted adult:
— Regulates stress hormones by helping children’s nervous systems return to baseline rather than remaining hypervigilant due to toxic stress.
— Supports brain development by promoting healthy neural connections form despite traumatic disruption.
— Builds resilience by creating a safe space and trusted relationship for children to process traumatic experiences and develop coping mechanisms for navigating future stressors.
Meaning: Love can positively rewire a child’s brain, helping them heal and build a brighter future—even after experiencing trauma.
Give the gift of love this holiday season
This holiday season, a child in Ukraine is suffering. They are alone, scared and wishing for the healing power of love.
They are crying out for someone to notice them, to care for them, to love them. They deserve the safety of a home, the warmth of a family and the chance to heal and grow into a happy, healthy child.
Will you be the one to answer their cry?
Your charitable, year-end gift can transform a child’s life. Your donation, sponsorship or life-changing gift from our Gift Shop can provide what every child craves and deserves: the love and stability of a family.
Because love matters.
*Child’s name changed to protect privacy.