Breaking stigmas around mental health

Those who embark on a journey to find safety in another country carry countless unanswered questions with them. What will my future look like? How will my family back home manage? These are just two of the questions that Oksana asked herself in the bus that took her from Lviv to Madrid.

The mental health of many people affected by the Ukraine-Russia international armed conflict is seriously impacted by traumatic experiences, fragmented community networks and uncertainties about the future. According to the World Health Organisation, one-in-five people are affected by mental health disorders in post-conflict settings. With early support and adequate treatment, individuals can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Many European countries are looking for ways to support the mental health and well-being of newcomers – who often face specific stressors linked to their displacement. In the last couple of years, 6.2 million people from Ukraine have found safety in countries across Europe, while an additional 5.2 million have been internally displaced within Ukraine. Since May 2022, the Red Cross, supported by the European Commission's EU4Health programme, has scaled up its provision of psychological first aid and mental health services to those who had to leave their homes in Ukraine.

National Red Cross Societies have developed a wide range of innovative approaches to reinforce the mental well-being of people affected by the conflict. The psychosocial approach, which focuses on the interconnection between the individual and their environment, has been mainstreamed into the response from arrival to integration.

To boost resilience and restore community networks and healthy coping mechanisms, different groups are targeted with adapted activities. For example, the Icelandic Red Cross organises yoga sessions for older women and music classes for babies and toddlers. During a friendship-themed event held by the Finnish Red Cross, children wrote messages on cards that they then shared with loved ones. While the Portuguese Red Cross  arranged a handicraft workshop for women, providing an opportunity to learn Portuguese, acquire new skills, and build connections in their new communities. These interventions offer space for people to process their experiences, fostering a sense of healing and hope amidst uncertainty.

These spaces help to break stigma about mental health concerns and offer an opportunity to directly address psychosocial needs. Oksana, initially unsure about seeking help, has now found the support she needs. “I think there are a lot of people who need psychological help, but in our country, we are not used to receiving it. For us, it is very hard to ask someone for something,” says Oksana. Through the project, Red Cross volunteers and staff raise awareness and offer a way to prioritise emotional, psychological and social well-being, especially in stressful situations. For those experiencing more complex psychological distress, these activities also serve as a gateway for referrals to specialised services.

For the last two years, the role of Red Cross staff and volunteers has been crucial. Initially, they assisted people with their immediate needs at border crossing points, train stations, and temporary shelters. Now, they accompany newcomers as they navigate life in their new country, offering support either in person at day centres or remotely through helplines.  They provide a listening ear, demonstrate empathy, share life-saving information, and offer various forms of support to individuals experiencing vulnerabilities. 

In the framework of the project, more than 23,000 health professionals and volunteers have been trained in mental health and psychosocial support, including 1,800 who are Ukrainian or Russian speaking. Other professionals, such as frontline responders and teachers, have also received training in working with people in distress or facing trauma. The programme prioritises the empowerment of these professionals by strengthening their skills and offering equipment and support to ensure their own well-being. When professionals are protected, they can support people in a safe and sustainable manner.

The project demonstrates that caring for mental health is a crucial investment. By addressing mental health challenges early on, supporting displaced people and professionals, developing capacities and strengthening response systems, we create the optimal conditions for individuals to heal and foster resilience. The skills developed during times of crisis will benefit and strengthen all of society.