MSF Psychologists Offer Critical Mental Health Support Amidst Conflict in Ukraine

In the aftermath of the conflict in Ukraine, medical facilities and mental health services have been severely impacted. MSF psychologists have stepped up to provide critical psychological support to those in need. In 2022 and 2023, they delivered a total of 26,324 individual mental health consultations to patients throughout the country.

Some of these consultations took place in mobile clinics that offer medical and psychological care to people in areas that have been retaken by the Ukrainian army, as well as small villages near conflict zones in the Kherson, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv regions. These areas are often prioritizing basic needs like clean water, food, healthcare, and utilities over mental health. Medical facilities are scarce due to destruction and lack of medical staff. The elderly population in these regions face particular challenges as many are unable to leave due to mobility issues. The constant stress and worry can exacerbate existing health problems such as cardiovascular disease and insomnia.

MSF psychologists in mobile clinics educate patients on the importance of mental health and how it impacts their overall well-being. They offer advice on improving sleep quality, managing anxiety and tension, and provide psycho-educational training to communities on dealing with stress. These basic techniques and support can help prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease and mental disorders.

While group psychoeducation sessions and individual consultations can help stabilize the emotional state of many patients, more complex cases may require long-term support. For example, MSF psychologists offered psychological assistance to survivors of a missile attack on a café in the village of Hroza, Kharkiv Oblast