“I Feel Like I’m Going Crazy”: The Challenges of Treating PTSD in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years now, and it has had a devastating impact on the country’s people, both physically and mentally. While the physical injuries of war are often visible, the psychological trauma that soldiers experience is often hidden.

Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. PTSD can cause a variety of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping. It can also lead to problems in relationships, at work, and in school.

In addition to PTSD, many Ukrainian soldiers also experience other mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. These problems can make it difficult for soldiers to return to civilian life and can lead to long-term disability.

The hidden trauma of Ukraine’s soldiers is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. There is a lack of mental health resources available to soldiers, and many soldiers are reluctant to seek help for fear of being stigmatized. It is important to break the silence around mental health and to provide soldiers with the support they need to recover from the trauma of war.

Here are some of the specific challenges that Ukrainian soldiers face in coping with trauma:

* **The constant threat of death and injury.** Soldiers are constantly in danger of being killed or injured in battle. This can lead to a constant state of fear and anxiety, which can make it difficult to cope with the stress of war.

* **The witnessing of violence and death.** Soldiers often see horrific things on the battlefield, such as the deaths of their comrades and the injuries of civilians. This can be very traumatic and can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and anger.

* **The separation from loved ones.** Soldiers are often away from their families and friends for long periods of time. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and abandonment.

* **The difficulty of returning to civilian life.** After the war is over, soldiers often find it difficult to return to civilian life. They may have trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and flashbacks to their experiences in war. They may also have trouble adjusting to the demands of civilian life, such as holding down a job and taking care of their families.

The hidden trauma of Ukraine’s soldiers is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. There are a number of things that can be done to help soldiers cope with trauma, including:

* **Providing mental health care.** Soldiers need access to mental health care, including counseling and therapy. This can help them to process their trauma and learn coping skills.

* **Breaking the silence around mental health.** It is important to break the silence around mental health and to encourage soldiers to seek help if they need it. There should be no stigma attached to seeking mental health care.

* **Supporting families.** The families of soldiers also need support. They may be dealing with their own feelings of grief, anxiety, and anger. They may also be struggling to cope with the financial and logistical challenges of having a loved one in the military.

* **Creating a welcoming environment for veterans.** When soldiers return to civilian life, they need to feel welcome and supported. There should be programs in place to help them find jobs, housing, and healthcare. They should also be connected to other veterans so that they can share their experiences and find support.

The hidden trauma of Ukraine’s soldiers is a serious problem, but it is not insurmountable. With the right support, soldiers can recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.