Four Years of War: The Heavy Toll on Ukraine's Mental Health.

The Mental Health Landscape in Wartime Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: Four years of full-scale war have left a profound and concerning mark on the psychological well-being of Ukrainians. Surveys reveal that issues of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are now widespread. According to data from the HELSI medical system, a mere 4% of Ukrainians described their mental state as 'very good' at the start of 2023, a stark indicator of a national mental health crisis. The ongoing conflict has created a sustained environment of fear and loss, placing immense strain on the population.

By 2025, over 70% of Ukrainian adults reported experiencing anxiety, depression, or severe stress. In the past year, nearly 50% of surveyed respondents have felt symptoms indicative of PTSD. These figures underscore the deep psychological scars inflicted by the prolonged violence and instability.

Olena Bortnikova, a psychologist and director of the 'DiLenD' psychological center, observes: 'We are in a state of chronic trauma due to the war.'

The survey data further shows that 75% of Ukrainians are dissatisfied with their lives, while 65% experience high levels of anxiety. The primary concerns citizens seek help for include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms
• Procrastination
• Perfectionism

Olena Bortnikova also emphasizes that 'PTSD can be delayed,' pointing to the risk of further negative mental health consequences emerging over time.

Experts identify several phases in the psychological state of Ukrainians: acute shock, exhaustion and loss, adaptation and functioning, and psychological strain. Bortnikova notes, 'Unfortunately, the experience of many countries that have endured prolonged wars shows that people's psyches shift into a state of mobilization.' This highlights the critical need for a comprehensive, long-term approach to mental health support during wartime.

Bortnikova offers a crucial insight: 'If a person has good self-reflection and can independently answer the question "why am I sad?", that is already a 90% guarantee they can cope with it on their own.' This underscores the vital importance of fostering psychological self-awareness and resilience amidst constant stress and uncertainty.

The Critical Need for Sustained Support

Therefore, the mental health of Ukrainians after four years of war demands focused attention and robust support systems. It is essential to address the identified problems and provide necessary assistance to improve the population's psychological state.

The situation highlights the urgent need for systemic measures and support programs. Given the severe challenges citizens face, it is necessary to enhance the work of psychological services, ensure therapy is accessible, and teach the population skills for self-reflection. Considering the conflict's duration, state and civic organizations must develop strategies aimed at the long-term psychosocial rehabilitation of those affected. Making mental health support a societal priority at all levels is now more important than ever.