Study: Social contacts crucial for care of traumatized Ukrainian children - How Social Bonds Help Ukrainian Refugee Children Heal in Germany
Ukrainian children arriving in Germany after 2022 faced significant mental health challenges. Many struggled with trauma, anxiety and depression in their first months. Yet, over time, their well-being showed signs of improvement—especially when families built connections with local communities.
In 2022, research revealed high rates of mental distress among young Ukrainian refugees. A meta-analysis found 23% suffered from PTSD, 16% from anxiety, and 14% from depression. Psychosocial support centres (PSZ) assisted 4,139 affected minors that year, making up 16.4% of their clients.
By 2025, roughly one-third of Ukrainian children with poor mental well-being had received specialised help. Access to this support depended less on whether parents had jobs and more on their social ties. Families who interacted frequently with Germans were far more likely to seek assistance for their children.
Data showed a clear difference in support rates. When parents had regular contact with local Germans, 46% of distressed children received professional help. In contrast, only 29% did so when families had fewer social connections. These relationships appeared crucial in guiding parents toward available resources.
The mental health gap between Ukrainian and German children also narrowed over time. Initially, newly arrived Ukrainian minors reported worse well-being than their peers. But after a year in Germany, their condition improved noticeably.
The findings highlight the role of social integration in mental health recovery. Ukrainian children whose families formed early bonds with Germans accessed more support by 2025. While exact figures for NGO and community aid remain unclear, the trend suggests that local networks play a key part in helping young refugees rebuild their lives.
