MSF Psychologists Make a Difference in Ukraine: Providing Tailored Mental Health Support in Conflict-Affected Areas

In recent years, MSF psychologists have been providing tailored psychological support to patients in Ukraine. Their efforts have resulted in a total of 26,324 individual mental health consultations between 2022 and 2023. These consultations took place both in medical facilities and 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.

The constant stress and worry experienced by people living in these areas can exacerbate existing health problems such as cardiovascular disease and insomnia. This is particularly true for the elderly population, who may be unable to leave due to mobility issues. MSF psychologists educate patients on the importance of mental health and provide psycho-educational training on dealing with stress. They also offer advice on improving sleep quality and managing anxiety and tension.

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, in early October 2023. The attack resulted in the loss of loved ones for each of the 15 families residing in the village according to authorities and the UN.

In conclusion, MSF psychologists are making a vital contribution to Ukraine’s healthcare system by providing tailored psychological support to patients based on their needs. Their efforts have helped improve the overall well-being of many people living in conflict-affected areas by promoting good mental health practices and providing long-term support when needed.