The team of the Mental Health Center of the Dobrobut Medical Network will provide 300 hours of free sessions with a psychologist and psychiatrist to the military medical battalion “Hospitalers”.
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine reports almost 24 thousand registered cases of patients with PTSD. Of these, more than 3,000 were detected in 2021, more than 6,500 in 2022, more than 10,700 in 2023, and more than 1,700 at the beginning of 2024. This indicates a trend towards an increase in the number of people in need of psychological assistance and rehabilitation.
According to a study conducted by Gradus Research Company in July 2023, psychological assistance is among the top five needs among wounded soldiers (33%). In the future, it will be most needed by soldiers aged 18 to 30 (58%).
According to the results of an audit of the Armed Forces staffing conducted as part of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program, there is currently only one psychologist for 400-500 servicemen. For example, the Israeli army has set a standard for military psychologists and social workers at the rate of one specialist per 70-90 people.
“There are no “iron” people, especially paramedics who see the death and suffering of the wounded during evacuations. The overwhelming majority of crews working with the military “from scratch” are young people aged 18 to 30. Most often, they have problems accepting the fact of the death of their colleagues with whom they worked side by side. It is especially difficult if a loved one dies before their eyes. It is almost impossible to survive such moments without the help of a specialist. The strain on the psyche is enormous, and the first signs of disorders can be seen within a few days: sleep patterns are disturbed, painful memories torment the person all the time, and they blame themselves for simply surviving, while their friend or family member died. Hence the aggression towards oneself and others, very often alcohol abuse and complete withdrawal”, says Natalia Chikhacheva, call sign ‘Sinychka’, coordinator of the treatment and rehabilitation program at the Hospitallers.
“Given all the challenges Ukrainians have been facing over the past few years, mental health is extremely important now. We understand that the psychological state of our military requires special attention. Unfortunately, the state does not have the resources to fully provide everyone in the army with the necessary mental health professionals. That's why we, as a conscious medical business, decided to help and started cooperation with Hospitallers. Our team at the Dobrobut Mental Health Center already has experience working with the military, veterans, and prisoners of war. I believe that our doctors will help improve the condition of our paramedics”, says Vadym Shekman, CEO of Dobrobut Medical Network.
