IRAQ: Children's mental health affected by US invasion and occupation

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/3cc0cac335fab74648694a544e3038d6.htm

BAGHDAD, 7 February (IRIN) - The Association of Psychologists of Iraq (API) has released a report stating that the US-led invasion and occupation of the country have greatly affected the psychological development of many Iraqi children.

"Children in Iraq are seriously suffering psychologically with all the insecurity, especially with the fear of kidnapping and explosions," said API spokesman Maruan Abdullah. "In some cases, they're found to be suffering extreme stress."

More than 1,000 children were interviewed countrywide over the past four months for the study, the findings of which were released on 5 February.

According to Abdullah, the survey was undertaken after a noticeable increase in the number of children seeking psychological counselling, many of whom were found to have learning difficulties.

"It was incredible how strong the results were," said Abdullah. "The only things they have on their minds are guns, bullets, death and a fear of the US occupation."

[leftchick]

1. but they are free and that is what matters!

Seriously, I was just talking about this with my husband last night. Day after day with explosions, gunfire, helicopters going overhead, US Tanks pointing guns at you, body parts all over the fucking place!These kids don't have a chance at normal.

[The Witch]

2. those poor kids

I work on children's mental health (indirectly) and the last thing these kids need is more trauma.........

[OneBlueSky]

3. they needed a study to determine this? . . . common sense . . . n/t

.

[LynnTheDem]

4. Future terrorists. Thank bush!

He gets all the credit.

[G_j]

5. Bush is a child murderer and child abuser

that is a fact