Three Years of War, 54% of Ukrainian People Suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

54% of Citizens Suffer from PTSD

The number of Ukrainians suffering from mental distress due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its third year following Russia's invasion, has sharply increased.

According to the British BBC broadcast on the 19th (local time), a study published in the medical journal 'The Lancet' estimated that 54% of Ukrainians (including refugees) are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It was found that 21% of Ukrainians feel extreme anxiety, and 18% experience high levels of stress.

Another study conducted in 2023 revealed that 27% of Ukrainians feel depressed or very sad. This is a 20% increase compared to 2021, the year just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Jarno Habicht, WHO's head of Ukraine, told BBC, "Symptoms can vary," citing types such as sadness, anxiety, sleep disorders, fatigue, and growing feelings of anger. He added, "Some people suffer from unexplained physical syndromes, simply feeling painful or in a bad mood."

In Ukraine, to overcome these issues, a mental health campaign called "How are you?" is being led by Olena Zelenska, the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.