Holistic care for children’s mental health in protracted conflict: A trauma-informed nursing perspective

Abstract

For children growing up in protracted conflict, violence is rarely a series of isolated events; instability becomes woven into the fabric of their daily lives. Such conditions heighten the risk of mental health problems and disrupt emotional, social, and cognitive development. However, addressable as these challenges may seem, clinical services alone are rarely sufficient when children’s distress is rooted in chronic insecurity, displacement, and loss. Consequently, a more integrated and holistic response is required. This perspective article explores the role of trauma-informed care in supporting the mental health of children in protracted conflicts, drawing on Palestine as an illustrative case study. Holistic care goes further than symptom management by addressing the interconnected biological, psychosocial, and spiritual dimensions of children’s well-being. Trauma-informed care provides the relational foundation for this approach, emphasizing safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment within paediatric nursing practice. Although child mental health services in conflict-affected settings often rely on screening, short-term counselling, and referral networks, their impact is frequently constrained by limited access, fragmented care, stigma, and cultural barriers. A holistic orientation addresses these gaps by strengthening family and community support, integrating age-appropriate non-pharmacological interventions, and preserving children’s safety, hope, and meaning. Nurses are positioned to operationalize this framework through therapeutic relationships, early identification of distress, and continuous support. This article advocates for child mental health services that are more humane, responsive, and sustainable in various situations.

Keywords: Child mental health, holistic nursing care, pediatric nursing, protracted conflict, trauma-informed care