Three years of war: healing the mental health scars

Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, more than 6.3 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their country as refugees and around 3.7 million people are internally displaced. At least half of the country’s children have been driven from their homes and it is estimated that more than 14 million Ukrainians are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection (United Nations news report, January 2025).

The prolonged duration of the conflict is resulting in serious mental health needs, ranging from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks to insomnia, nightmares, concentration and memory issues, low self-esteem, not finding pleasure in previously enjoyable activities, problems forming attachments with others, and being scared and uncertain of what the future might bring.

Providing a supportive environment

The Salvation Army corps (churches) in Ukraine are working to create safe spaces for children and adults where their mental, physical, social and spiritual development can be nurtured and supported. Programmes promote community and prevent isolation, and creative projects engage participants with activities to aid trauma processing and integration.

This can be through play, sports activities, Scouts, crafts, cooking, the arts (performances, music, singing), cultural and recreational activities, art-based workshops and religious activities.

These gatherings provide a supportive environment where people impacted by the war can connect, exchange experiences and acquire strategies to manage stress. This holistic approach tackles psychosocial distress and aims to foster physical health and community cohesion.

According to UNICEF, the impact of the war on children has been particularly devastating, having wiped out three years of schooling, playtime with friends and moments with loved ones.

Many thousands of children are experiencing symptoms of stress and related traumas. Salvation Army corps and their teams, both inside and outside of Ukraine, are working to ensure that children feel safe, and are providing psychological care, afterschool and homework clubs, language classes, youth/children’s clubs, camps, excursions and craft workshops. Making fun and educational classes available to children helps protect them from the trauma of war, and art can play an important role in their development and well-being.

Sofia attends the after-school programme at a corps in Ukraine. After she began engaging with the programme and working with a psychologist, her mother noticed significant positive changes in Sofia’s behaviour at home and school.

Salvation Army Scouting is proving particularly popular among children in Ukraine. It instils social and public responsibilities, develops character and allows for unity with nature. ‘Children can experience “today, now”. This has a very positive and practical effect on a person’s psychological recovery [from post-traumatic stress disorder],’ says Major Konstantin Shvab, Ukraine Divisional Commander.

The Salvation Army in Georgia hosts a programme for Ukrainian children who have settled in the capital city, Tbilisi. The supportive environment at the centre plays a crucial role in helping them heal and adapt to their new circumstances. A new element that children wanted was the addition of music lessons. A corps member duly introduced them, with drums being particularly popular. Having a safe space to study, play and learn survival techniques is important for youth development.

‘Fleeing from Odesa with my twin sister and mum took four days and was terrifying, especially with my dad still there,’ says 15-year-old Katja. ‘The Salvation Army’s after-school programme at their church in Tbilisi, Georgia, has been a lifeline for me. Playing the drums helps me release my anger and tension; it’s like therapy. The music lessons have brought me great joy and a sense of normalcy. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and the support from The Salvation Army.’