The full-scale war has led to an unprecedented deterioration in the psychological state of the population of Ukraine. According to experts, about half of the country's citizens are already facing various mental health issues, and the number of cases where doctors record symptoms of disorders has increased several times over the last year.
These figures were stated by Bohdan Bozhuk, General Director of the Y.I. Kundiev Institute of Occupational Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine. He emphasized that the invasion has radically changed living and working conditions, creating a constant background of stress for every individual.
Risk Factors: From Anxiety to Uncertainty
The specialist notes that new, specific risks associated with wartime have been added to traditional occupational hazards. The main factors destroying mental health have become:
- Constant air raid alarms;
- Forced relocation and loss of housing;
- Power outages;
- Disruption of work and rest schedules;
- Economic instability.
Studies show that Ukrainians now sleep an average of 40 minutes less than the norm. Summing up sleep deprivation and economic fears, experts record constant psycho-emotional strain, increased anxiety, and chronic emotional exhaustion.
The Impact of Stress on Physical Health
Psychological tension does not remain isolated from the body. Bozhuk warns that chronic stress provokes the exacerbation of somatic diseases. The cardiovascular, endocrine systems, and digestive organs are at risk.
Although a sharp spike in mortality from heart attacks or strokes has not yet been recorded, doctors note that the negative impact of stress on the body continues. It is difficult to name the exact number of psychiatric diagnoses, as they can only be established by a doctor upon the patient's voluntary application. However, the growth of symptoms indicating disorders is obvious.
"Since the beginning of the major war, the number of cases where disorders can be suspected based on symptoms has grown three to five times, according to various studies," the expert noted.
Crisis in the Healthcare System
Particular concern is caused by the condition of medical workers. If before 2022 post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was recorded primarily among residents of frontline areas and displaced persons, now signs of the disorder are observed among broad layers of the population. Medics working in hot spots are in a special risk group.
According to Bozhuk, about 80% of medical workers in frontline regions show signs of professional burnout. Already six months after the start of the war, signs of PTSD were recorded in 14% of them, and symptoms of depression in another 9%.
Scale of the Problem and Gender Aspect
Today, according to experts, about 10 million Ukrainians need psychological assistance. Data from the World Health Organization confirm that approximately half of the population reports problems with mental health — indicators that were several times lower before the war.
Scientists have also recorded gender differences in the perception of the load: women demonstrate a higher level of psychological tension than men.
Paths to Adaptation and Recommendations
Experts and employers are already discussing measures to minimize damage to the population's ability to work. Recommendations include introducing flexible schedules, developing remote work, and creating psychological support programs. It is also proposed to introduce "recovery days" after night shelling.
An important aspect remains the need for a state program to adapt veterans to civilian life and work to prevent further degradation of the mental health of combatants.