Self with the war: as the invasion of the Russian Federation put psychiatric aid in Ukraine

To spread: The system of psychiatric care in Ukraine balances on the verge of collapse: large hospitals disappear, new centers are kept on volunteers and donors, and the legislation does not have time for the realities of war. Focus found out why the industry was in crisis - and whether the country was ready for a new wave of mental injuries. Today, October 10 - World Mental Day. This is the opportunity to say openly about what is often overlooked: inner suffering, silent anxiety, pain.

Especially in the context of Ukraine - a country that has been living in war, destruction and uncertainty for many years. The consequences of armed conflict impose deep psychological scars on everyone - both an adult and a child. Now, according to WHO, one of four Ukrainians can face mental disorders - such as post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSR), depression, anxiety or disorder through the use of psychoactive substances.

Studies have also shown that among internally displaced persons, the prevalence of PTSD reaches about one third, and depression - in almost a fifth of cases. Important: Many people who need psychological help do not contact it or do not have access to it due to lack of resources, stigma or logistics barriers. According to the military psychologist, Candidate of Psychological Sciences Maxim Reutsky, the system of psychiatric care in Ukraine is in a state of deep crisis.

In recent decades, large state psychiatric institutions-hospitals, wards, district psycho-mediators-have been largely destroyed. Many of them have lost their buildings through the sale of land or reformatting into general medical centers or primary care. This process, according to Reutsky, left Ukraine without strong infrastructure to provide psychiatric care, which forces to create a new system from scratch.

"New infrastructure is formed mainly by small centers, which often function on a volunteer basis or with the support of international donors such as USAID. However, these initiatives are fragmented and unstable due to dependence on external funding, which can stop suddenly. One of the key problems is the lack of adequate psychiatric assistance legislation.

Reutsky emphasizes that the current system does not effectively resolve situations where people with mental disorders pose a threat to themselves or the environment. For example, hospitalization of such persons is possible only with their voluntary consent or in extreme cases, when there is a direct danger.

This leads to the inertia of the system: even in cases of obvious behavior, such when a person with mental disorders walks a goal down the street, numerous appeals to the police and fast are needed to achieve hospitalization. "This inertia complicates access to assistance, especially for vulnerable groups, such as pensioners suffering from age -related mental disorders.

Due to lack of funds, they often remain without proper treatment, which can create risks not only for them but also for the environment - for example, due to careless gas treatment or electricity. " Another problem is the commercialization of psychiatric care. Qualitative treatment is available mainly in private clinics that focus on solvent customers. This leaves low -income, including pensioners, without proper support.

Reutsky notes that modern psychiatry has become more humane thanks to new drugs and approaches, but stigma around psychiatric care still prevents people from seeking help. As a psychologist, he is actively working on the destruction of stereotypes, explaining that psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy can produce rapid and effective results. According to the expert, the war significantly increased the crisis of the psychiatric system.

Reutsky predicts that after its completion, Ukraine will face the influx of people with post -traumatic stressful disorders, addiction and other mental problems. Thousands of veterans will return from fighting with injuries, addictions on alcohol or other substances that were used to relieve physical or mental pain. The civilian population, in particular children, also suffers from anxiety disorders, sleep and fears disorders caused by shelling and other consequences of war.

The current system, according to Reutsky, is not ready to cope with this volume of patients. "The remnants of psychiatric institutions will not be able to" digest "thousands of people who will require long psychological and medical support. Reutsky predicts that the next 10 years psychiatry will become one of the most sought after medical specialties in Ukraine.

To prepare for this it is necessary: ​​Recall that from January 1, 2026 in Ukraine the program of free medical checks will start in Ukraine due to "action" for citizens from 40 years. It involves early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental disorders. Focus also wrote that as a result of a massive Russian attack on Kiev on September 28, the Institute of Cardiology named after Academician Strazhesk, where people were killed.