Talking to Patients About War

The following resources provide tips and practical ideas on talking to patients (children, adults, and military veterans/families) about war.

Child Focused

• Turmoil Hurts the Youngest in Lasting Ways
  By: Dipesh Naysaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD, FAAP
  “There is ample, solid evidence of the negative impact of young children being separated from their parents and other caregivers.”
• Talking to Children About War
  The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides this fact sheet which includes the potential impact and considerations when talking to children about war, how to start the conversation, understanding media coverage, and how to foster resilience. Also available in Ukrainian, Russian, German and Japanese languages
• How to Talk With Your Child About the War in Ukraine
  By: David Schonfeld, MD, FAAP
  The war in Ukraine is distressing to all of us. Children and teens are wondering what has happened and what may happen next. Like adults, they are better able to cope with upsetting news and images when they understand more about the situation. Here are some suggestions from HeathyChildren.org to help you support your child in a constructive and helpful way.
• Holding the Baby in Mind in Times of War
  By: Sherri L. Alderman, MD, MPH, IMHM-E Clinical and Policy, FAAP
  March 10, 2022 - As the man-made humanitarian crisis continues to rage in Ukraine, whole populations are being devastated. The short- and long-term impact on culture, community, family, and individual health and well-being will be substantial. At the top of those most affected are babies.

Adult Focused

• APA Statement and Resources on the Mental Health Impact of the War in Ukraine
  March 2, 2022 - The American Psychiatric Association CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., and Chair of APA Committee on the Psychiatric Dimensions of Disaster Joshua Morganstein, M.D., offered the following APA statement and resources in response to the War in Ukraine.
• The CDC’s Preparedness and Response experts offer tips and practical ideas for adult self-care in and following a disaster.

Military Veteran/Family Focused

• Working Effectively with Military Families – Ten Key Concepts Providers Should Know Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this information provides links to active duty and veterans and their families.
• The U.S. Department of Defense offers a National Resource Directory (NRD)
  The NRD is a database of validated resources that supports recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for Service members, veterans, family members, and caregivers. The NRD is a partnership among the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs that connects wounded warriors, Service Members, Veterans, their families, and caregivers to programs and services that support them.

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