| Abstract [eng] |
For many years war has been recognized as a traumatising and tormenting experience not only for soldiers directly participating in combat but also for the civilian populations who have to witness said armed conflicts. Military actions leave indelible scars for those who have witnessed or experienced war atrocities. It is especially important considering the rising number of conflict affected populations, including refugees or people who have lost their homes due to military actions and require urgent psychological help and aid. After the war started in Ukraine this topic became more relevant in Lithuania – it‘s important to understand how to help refugees without retraumatising them. This review analyses the existing literature about the impact of war trauma testimony experience on mental health, showing that both possitive and negative effects of testimony are possible. War trauma is defined as psychological or physical wounds acquired during war. War experiences may cause long-term consequences for mental health, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. This review delves into the therapeutic potential of war trauma testimony, providing victims with possibility to cope with the psychological aftermath, while using various forms of psychotherapy, such as testimony therapy or narrative exposure therapy. The possibility that recounting trauma could re-traumatize victims is also considered. The testimony of these experiences in a judicial setting or during therapy can have various consequences for the survivors‘ mental health and well-being. Research shortcomings and the necessary further investigation of potential therapeutic methods to better adress the needs of people suffering from war trauma is also discussed. |
