Citation

Shi W, Navario P, Hall BJ. Lancet Psychiatry 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S2215-0366(22)00114-6

PMID

35390327

Abstract

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis with more than 6·5 million internally displaced people and more than 3 million refugees in neighbouring countries. Mental disorders are prevalent in conflict settings. A 2019 survey of 2203 internally displaced people fleeing Russian occupied territories from a previous invasion documented high levels of depression (22%), anxiety (17%), and PTSD (32%). However, mental health and psychosocial support are inadequately prioritised within complex humanitarian relief efforts, or in subsequent efforts to rebuild following conflict. We must ensure that mental health and psychosocial support are central to relief and recovery efforts in Ukraine.


Some measures should be immediately considered to address civilians' emerging mental health problems, including: (1) providing survivors with psychological first aid using, for example, remote video services, telephone hotlines, and smartphone-based programs, or peer-based support; (2) supporting international non-governmental organisations, and the Red Cross, to implement guidance by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on mental health and psychosocial support during times of humanitarian crisis; and (3) providing culturally appropriate and trauma-informed screening in the conduct of these services...

Language: en