As the world watches the crisis in Ukraine unfold, there is a growing concern for the mental health of those who have been displaced. Forced to leave their homes and lives behind, Ukrainian refugees are grappling with the trauma of war and the uncertainty of their future. However, in Dorset, a beacon of hope shines for these refugees in the form of psychologist Anna Hontaruk.

Supporting Refugees through Therapeutic Interventions

Based in Poole, Anna Hontaruk is lending her professional skills to assist dozens of Ukrainian refugees overcome their psychological challenges. Chronic stress and uncertainty about the future have become a common thread among these individuals. To address this, Hontaruk conducts free sessions that combine talking therapy with physical exercises designed to release stress and foster internal self-support. Refugees like Larysa and Viktoria have found these interventions helpful in managing their unexpected feelings and situations, and in instilling a sense of hope. For Hontaruk, this work is not just a professional obligation, but a personal passion and a coping strategy of her own.

Concerns over Homes for Ukraine Visas

However, therapy and support can only go so far when the specter of uncertainty looms large. Anna Tysovska, a Ukrainian refugee who arrived in the UK in March 2022, is among the first to receive the Homes for Ukraine visa. Despite this, she lives in fear of having to return to her war-torn country if her visa is not extended. A psychology graduate herself, Tysovska is eager to work in her field to support Ukrainians grappling with the trauma of the ongoing war. Her concerns underline the critical need for clarity about the future of the scheme.

Charitable Aid for Ukrainian Refugees

While individual efforts are making a difference, larger organizations have also stepped up to the plate. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), the largest charity donor to the humanitarian response to the war, has assisted almost seven million Ukrainians with funds raised since the Russian invasion began. Their aid takes various forms, including food, clean water, shelter, cash payments, healthcare, and mental health support. A significant portion of the aid has been spent inside Ukraine, while the rest is utilized to help refugees in neighboring countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Moldova. Of particular note is the DEC’s focus on providing psychological support for Ukrainian refugee children in Moldova.

Mental Health and Care Practices for Ukrainian Refugees

International organizations have recognized the importance of mental health and care practices for refugees. Action contre la Faim is one such entity offering psychosocial support to Ukrainian refugees in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and Romania. They are seeking a MHPSS & Protection Programme Manager to oversee these projects. The role, which requires a master’s degree in clinical psychology or psychiatry and two years of experience in the humanitarian sector, demonstrates the growing recognition of mental health support in humanitarian aid.

The trauma of war and displacement leaves deep scars, both visible and invisible. While the physical needs of refugees are crucial, the importance of addressing mental health cannot be overstated. The work of psychologists like Anna Hontaruk, along with the efforts of charities and international organizations, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of adversity.