Addressing Ukraine’s Mental Health Crisis Among Children
Olena Rozvadovska plays a pivotal role in helping Ukraine’s children cope with the mental trauma caused by years of war. She highlights that children often take years to process their experiences. The ongoing conflict, which began in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea, has left deep scars on young minds.
The Start of Ukraine’s Unforeseen Conflict
The war’s roots trace back to Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014. Shortly after, Russian forces and separatists seized Slovyansk in eastern Ukraine. By summer, Ukraine recaptured the city, but the war shifted to other regions. At the time, Rozvadovska worked for the government, helping children affected by this new, unfamiliar conflict.
Volunteering on the Front Lines
In 2015, Rozvadovska left her government post and moved to Donbas to directly aid children in the war-torn region. Though the war was less intense back then, with limited missile strikes, it was still dangerous. In Slovyansk, she witnessed a stark contrast between the relative safety of the city and the chaos of nearby villages like Zaitseve, closer to the frontline.
Zaitseve: A Village Divided by War
Zaitseve, a village near Bakhmut, was split between Ukrainian control and Russian occupation. Rozvadovska met children living in desolate conditions, without basic utilities. One child, Diana, lived on the Ukrainian side of the village, while her friend lived just meters away in the occupied zone, unable to cross the front line due to heavy checkpoints.
The Reluctance to Flee War Zones
Rozvadovska encountered families who, despite the dangers, chose not to flee. Some stayed due to apathy toward their children’s well-being, while others lacked the financial and physical resources to move. In some cases, even when offered help, families returned to their homes near the front after fleeing briefly.
Deep Roots and Stubborn Resilience
Some families, like Tanya’s, remained in their war-ravaged homes due to a deep connection to their land and heritage. Tanya’s children grew up surrounded by soldiers, knowing little else. Despite the devastation, she and her family were determined to stay on their ancestral land, which held deep emotional and cultural significance for them.
The Impact of War on Children’s Mental Health
As the war dragged on, the psychological effects on children became more pronounced. Rozvadovska observed that children, especially those exposed to ongoing violence, developed deep emotional scars. Voices of Children, a foundation she co-founded, works to provide long-term psychological support to these young survivors, helping them process grief, trauma, and depression.
The Long Road to Healing
Ukrainian children now live under constant threat from drone and missile attacks. The toll on their mental health is immense, even in areas far from the frontline. According to psychologists, while younger children deal with immediate fears, older ones face more profound struggles with anxiety and depression. As the war continues, Ukraine must brace for a growing mental health crisis, especially among its youngest citizens.
SOURCE: Ref Image from UNICEF USA
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