Psychological Support of Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine and Emigrants Abroad: Challenges of Wartime

Autori:

Iryna OVDIIENKO, Oleksandra BRUKHOVETSKA, Tatyana CHAUSOVA, Liudmyla VERBYTSKA, Lesia INZHYIEVSKA, Olena GOROVA

Cod: ISSN: 1583-3410 (print), ISSN: 1584-5397 (electronic)
Dimensiuni: pp. 190-205

How to cite this article:

Ovdiienko, I., Brukhovetska, O., Chausova, T., Verbytska, L., Inzhyievska, L., Gorova, O. (2024). Psychological Support of Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine and Emigrants Abroad: Challenges of Wartime. Revista de Cercetare si Interventie Sociala, 84, 190-205, DOI: 10.33788/rcis.84.13

Abstract:

In the context of war, providing timely psychological support is crucial for internally displaced persons in Ukraine and emigrants abroad. This kind of assistance is considered a priority for individuals who have recently experienced traumatic events and are in a vulnerable psychological state. The article is focused on identifying mental health problems among individuals who have been temporarily displaced or emigrated abroad during the war. It aims to improve the toolkit for providing psychological support to these populations. The study analyses the specific challenges associated with providing psychological support to these individuals. Forced resettlement to another region or country, combined with the prolonged impact of information stress, air raids, and the loss of a normal way of life, has been shown to contribute to the development of psychological disorders at both emotional and behavioural levels. The article focuses on the specificity of manifestations of prolonged stress, which can take the form of severe anxiety and excessive worry, as well as unpredictable outbursts of anger. It is widely accepted that physical stress can cause symptoms such as muscle pain, chronic fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and increased irritability. The physical aspects of stress, when combined, can have a detrimental effect on a person's personality and negatively impact their psychological well-being. This paper defines the complexity levels of mental disorders and outlines their factoriality. Factors such as age, involvement in the emergency (as a witness, participant, or directly affected), personal life experience, psychological health, and interpersonal relationships are considered. A conceptual approach is proposed for providing first psychological aid to the studied population categories. This includes providing emotional, physical, and social support to the affected individual, enhancing their sense of security. The practical significance of the research results lies in their potential application in the development, improvement, and implementation of psychological support programs for internally displaced persons in Ukraine and emigrants abroad in wartime conditions.