A recent UNICEF report has revealed a growing mental health crisis among children in Afghanistan. According to the findings, more than 24% of children aged 5-17 in the country are experiencing various mental health issues, with approximately 15% suffering from severe depression.
The report identifies several factors contributing to this crisis, including:
- Ongoing conflict and insecurity
- Family displacement
- Natural disasters
- Poverty
- Restrictions on girls' education
UNICEF notes that the lack of effective solutions for health and education problems is also a significant factor in the increasing mental stress among Afghan children.
The past three years have seen Afghan children face various psychological and emotional traumas, with girls potentially more vulnerable than boys. The report highlights that access to education for girls has become particularly challenging, while boys face serious issues related to poverty and unemployment.
Mental health experts have expressed deep concern about the current situation's impact on Afghan children's mental health and personality development.
The UNICEF report calls attention to the urgent need for addressing these mental health challenges among Afghan children.
