56% of Ukrainians experience fatigue from the war: how new experiences have become a remedy.

Deterioration of mental health: how Ukrainians recover in wartime

According to ТСН: Constant feelings of anxiety, information overload, economic instability, and lack of confidence have led to the emergence of a new form of fatigue—emotional. The most vulnerable categories, according to Kantar's research, are women, residents of small towns, and low-income households, where the highest levels of emotional exhaustion are observed.

According to the study results, Ukrainians are rethinking the concept of "rest." Six out of ten respondents (60%) consider new experiences and adventures the main way to improve their mood. In contrast, only 21% find shopping effective, 11% enjoy going to the cinema, and 8% find dining out worthwhile.

People seek not just relaxation, but also peace and meaning in new experiences.

"Experiences are a modern form of emotional therapy. New experiences help a person feel alive, restore joy and inner balance," states Vitaliy Drozd, founder of the company bodo, which has been researching the culture of emotional gifts for over fifteen years.

However, despite the popularity of experiences as a means of satisfaction, not all Ukrainians take advantage of these opportunities for recovery: 32% admitted they haven't had new emotions in a long time, and another 26% reported having no such experiences recently.

In conditions where a full vacation or trip is often impossible, Ukrainians are seeking local ways to recover. This could be days in nature, sports activities, art therapy, new hobbies, or simply an hour without a phone. This trend indicates a rising awareness in society, which has learned to value not material goods but simple yet genuine moments in life.

Key data from the study:

• 56% of Ukrainians reported a deterioration in their mental health;

• 60% consider new experiences the main way to improve their mood;

• 32% haven't had new emotions in a long time;

• 26% have had no experience of "new impressions" recently.

Methodology:The study was conducted by Kantar Ukraine in partnership with bodo. Method—Kantar Online Track online survey. Sample size—1000 respondents (men and women aged 18–55, urban residents, excluding rural areas and temporarily occupied territories).

The situation regarding Ukrainians' mental health amidst the war highlights the importance of emotional support and opportunities for recovery. Given the research, it becomes clear that new experiences can be the key to improving the quality of life even in the most challenging circumstances. Ukrainians strive to find joy in simple things, thereby increasing their resilience to the challenges that have emerged in everyday life.