Impact of War on Mental Health in Ukraine
As Ukraine endures over three years of full-scale war, the psychological toll on its citizens is profound. Descriptions of the state of individuals and society are urgent and crucial. The term “syndrome of deferred life” has emerged, reflecting the disruption of normal human existence, as daily life feels suspended, awaiting better times, reports 24brussels.
However, this term falls short. “Syndrome” usually refers to pathological conditions that defy simple explanations. Consider an individual with the potential for a thriving career but thwarted by self-sabotaging behavior. This situation could represent impostor syndrome, where the desire for recognition clashes with a fear of exposure. In contrast, a person who has lost their savings in a banking crisis faces a straightforward predicament, necessitating adjustment without the complexity of psychological syndromes.
To explain contemporary life in Ukraine, there is no need to reference psychological diagnostic manuals; we are living through a war—a catastrophe that transcends mere neuroses.
Understanding our current experiences calls for more appropriate terminology. One such term is “deficiency.” The war has stripped away much, leaving various voids in daily life. The most pervasive deficit is safety, along with stability, predictability, and justice. Simple comforts, like adequate sleep, crossing borders, or reuniting with loved ones, have been rendered unattainable. We are left adapting to existential disabilities, filling the gaps left by war as we accommodate our needs in survival mode. Creativity in maneuvering through this lack is vital, as is the willingness to both seek and offer help to one another.
The second significant term is “pain,” encompassing a spectrum of heavy emotions that color daily existence: despair, anxiety, hatred, and anger. These feelings are natural and adaptive responses to our circumstances. They remind us of our humanity and capacity to feel amidst the horrors of war.
Balancing negative and positive emotions is crucial. It’s perfectly acceptable to experience joy, pleasure, and playfulness, even during the darkest times. Yet many people hesitate to embrace these joys, fearing they might seem inappropriate in the face of ongoing conflict. This postponement of happiness may inadvertently suggest an underlying pause on life itself.
Thirdly, the experience of exhaustion—coupled with “chronic stress”—has been increasingly recognized. As the war drags on into its fourth year, fatigue is palpable in the air. Surveys indicate that over half of respondents experience fatigue, evidencing a collective burden of stress that penetrates society. The persistent state of high stress affects everyone, and addressing it through relaxation, however brief, becomes essential.
The fourth term is “uncertainty.” The duration of the war remains unknown, making future planning improbable. Dilemmas persist for those abroad and those who remain, complicating daily choices and fostering a climate of hesitation. Establishing a routine is one strategy to combat the chaos of war, as daily responsibilities can ground individuals in their lives.
Finally, a meaningful term to describe our experiences would be “life itself.” Despite the tragedy, we do not suspend existence; daily life continues with its ordinary rhythm. Each day, we engage in mundane acts—caring for one another, sipping coffee, and navigating the world around us—reminding us that we are living, not merely waiting for life to resume.
Our existence is shaped by a myriad of pathways forged through a landscape scarred by war, steadfast in refusing to yield to a foe that seeks our erasure.
The enemy asserts: you do not exist, you should not be in this world. We respond: go away.
