For almost two years, Ukrainians have been living in conditions of full-scale war, which poses extremely difficult challenges to the medical system. Especially in the field of physical and psychological rehabilitation, because mental problems affect everyone, writes WomanEL.
Mental problems of war. Source: Freepik
In 2023, compared to 2022, the request for psychological help among Ukrainians almost doubled. According to Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, more than 320 thousand Ukrainians have sought psychological help at all levels.
The new Ukrainian series “Friends” is about adventures and risks during warValentine's Diamond Drop: Guzema's new line of jewelry for Valentine's Day
Mental health is one of today's challenges on par with poverty, climate change and rising prices, this is evidenced by the results of a study among 11 countries of the world represented during the Third Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen,
Lyashko noted.
Currently, patients have the opportunity to receive free psychological support services in more than 860 primary medical institutions. About 175 thousand Ukrainians have already taken advantage of this opportunity, which is 36% of the total number of requests regarding problems in the field of mental health.
The next stage is setting up a system of redirection to specialized specialists, creating mental health centers based on cluster hospitals and developing separate centers for psychological rehabilitation. Programs aimed at protecting and strengthening the mental health of health workers themselves are also important, because the workload on them has increased significantly.
Minister of Defense Hello Viktor Lyashko. Dzherelo: Freepik
Viktor Lyashko noted that the first task that the Ministry of Health set for itself in the field of mental health support was to bring psychological assistance services closer to the patient. To this end, within the framework of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program, on the initiative of First Lady Elena Zelenskaya, scaling of training for family doctors and pediatricians began. The training is carried out under the mhGAP program (mental health gap action program).
Lyashko also emphasized that last year the main focus was on the availability of free rehabilitation assistance. And this year the ministry is working on its quality.
Why PTSD is a problem not only for veterans, but for all Ukrainians – find out here.
