Healing Ukraine's Invisible Scars

The Unseen Impact of Conflict

Conflict is accelerating changes in Ukraine's mental health system. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, no aspect of life in Ukraine has remained untouched. The psychological toll of war has become a pressing issue, with millions of Ukrainians grappling with trauma, stress, and the loss of loved ones. This article delves into the mental health crisis in Ukraine, the efforts to address it, and the unseen scars that continue to afflict the nation.

The Devastating Statistics

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly a quarter of Ukraine's population is at risk of developing a mental health condition due to the ongoing conflict. This figure is staggering, especially when considering the direct impact on school-aged children. An estimated 5.7 million have been directly affected, with 3.6 million due to the closure of educational institutions early in the conflict. The war has forced millions to flee their homes, with 65% of internally displaced people being women and girls. These statistics paint a grim picture of the mental health landscape in Ukraine.

The Human Cost

The stories of those affected by the war are heart-wrenching. For example, Arthur, a five-year-old boy from Mariupol, stopped speaking after the bombardment began. He and his mother, Miranda, hid in a theater for two weeks, waiting for evacuation that never came. The trauma of that experience has left Arthur in silence, unable to speak since the day the shelling started. This is just one of the countless stories of children who have been left with invisible scars, their lives forever changed by the conflict.

UNICEF’s Efforts to Heal

UNICEF has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts to support children and families devastated by the war. They have reached 491,125 children and caregivers with mental health and psychosocial support, providing case management and referral services to 46,364 children. Their work is crucial in helping children recover from the shock of war and reclaim their childhoods. UNICEF’s response includes providing essential services such as safe water, medical supplies, and remote education, ensuring that every child can grow up healthy, educated, protected, and respected.

Red Cross and Red Crescent’s Collaboration

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has joined forces with the Ukrainian Red Cross and 24 European Red Cross National Societies to provide psychological first aid and mental health services to people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. This historic partnership, supported by the EU4Health programme, aims to break stigmas about mental health and directly address the psychosocial needs of Ukrainians throughout Europe. The collaboration has resulted in significant milestones:

• Training and Mobilization: More than 11,450 health professionals and volunteers have been trained in mental health and psychosocial support.
• Helplines and Service Platforms: Over 60 helplines and service platforms have been expanded with mental health and psychosocial support services.
• Support Reaches Thousands: More than 210,000 people, including Ukrainian displaced persons, have been supported through these services.
• Mental Health Support: Over 10,360 staff and volunteers have received mental health and psychosocial support.
• Coordination Meetings: More than 940 coordination and collaboration meetings have been held with relevant partners.

Mobile Survivor Relief Centres

UNFPA has been instrumental in responding to the psychological trauma of war through Mobile Survivor Relief Centres. These centres have been sent to villages like Yahidne, where residents were forcibly detained without adequate food, medicine, or basic amenities. Psychologists like Olha Boyko from the Survivor Relief Centre visit these communities, creating an atmosphere of trust and conveying that support is close. These centres provide psychosocial, legal, and humanitarian assistance to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

Community-Based Initiatives

Community-based initiatives are also playing a crucial role in healing the invisible scars of war. In Poland, for example, trained Red Cross volunteers operate a mental health hotline that speaks Ukrainian, offering a lifeline to Ukrainian refugees who need someone to talk to. In Ukraine, Red Cross volunteers lead children through art classes and other fun activities to take their minds off the conflict and bring some sense of normalcy to their lives.

The Ongoing Struggle

Despite these efforts, the ongoing struggle remains daunting. Many survivors continue to live in the places where the trauma occurred and are constantly confronted by reminders of their pain. Halyna, a resident of Yahidne, recalls the trauma she endured during the occupation: “I cry all the time. Even when I go to the garden, I am afraid. I dig in the beds and then look up to see if Russian soldiers are coming out of the forest”. The wound has not healed yet, and many do not understand why this happened to them. The fear that it could all happen again is a constant presence, making recovery even more challenging.

International Community’s Role

The international community must continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to heal. The European Union, along with other nations, has been providing critical humanitarian aid. Emine Dzhaparova, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, called on all responsible nations to facilitate and promote President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace formula, which includes ensuring security in all its dimensions, including food security and preventing future aggression.

Conclusion

Healing Ukraine’s invisible scars will take time, effort, and continued support from both the Ukrainian government and the international community. The collaboration between organizations like UNICEF, IFRC, and UNFPA is crucial in addressing the mental health crisis. As we move forward, it is essential to acknowledge the unseen impact of conflict and work towards creating a society where every individual can recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.

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References https://www.ifrc.org/our-work/health-and-care/community-health/mental-health-and-psychosocial-support/eu4health-and-ifrc https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/ukraines-children-invisible-scars-war https://eeca.unfpa.org/en/news/ukraine-photo-story-how-mobile-support-centres-are-helping-communities-overcome-psychological https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15174.doc.htm