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.

Creative expression

Engaging in creative activities is a powerful means of processing emotions and coping with the psychological impact of war. Creativity allows for self-expression and can be incredibly therapeutic. Activities such as painting, drawing, writing or playing an instrument can help people explore and articulate their feelings in a non-verbal way.

Art therapy is a well-established method for dealing with trauma and emotional distress. Creating art can provide a sense of control and accomplishment, offering a way to visually express experiences that might be difficult to put into words. The process of creating can be calming and meditative, helping  to reduce stress and anxiety.

Supporting women

By Viktoria Moskalenko, a cadet (an officer (minister) in training)

Dnipro Corps organises meetings for women, where they study the Word of God, learn about the Bible, discover the history of The Salvation Army, watch films, read poems, take part in handicrafts, share recipes and prepare meals.

‘Because we can feel the spirit of our native people, we don’t feel lonely, and we don’t feel homesick as much.’
- Yuliia, art and craft club leader

The emotional well-being of all people in Ukraine, especially those who have relocated from war zones and whose relatives and loved ones are fighting on the front line, has suffered greatly. People live with constant stress and there is so much sorrow, grief and uncertainty, but there are such limited resources to support their emotional recovery.

As followers of Jesus Christ and servants of the Church, we strive to create a comfortable and warm atmosphere so that women can immerse themselves in a calm and friendly environment.

The meetings allow women to feel part of the community. They share their emotions and receive support and empathy through encouragement and prayer. Often, solutions to problems come from other members of the group. It is an opportunity to focus on beautiful things (poems, films, music), while physical exercise can support and help improve emotional well-being. Engaging in handicrafts enables the women to relax.

Larisa left a dangerous city with her daughter. They overcame the difficult journey and arrived in Dnipro. Larisa came to The Salvation Army for help (food, bedding, hygiene products) and subsequently participated in the sport and art therapy programmes. Larisa now helps with deliveries and packing donations.

Datsyuk was forced to leave Mariupol with her family because her home was destroyed. When she learnt about The Salvation Army, she started volunteering. She now attends the women’s club and Bible study, and is exploring becoming a Salvation Army church member.

Yuliya was forced to leave Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk, with her family. She says: ‘I could not stay in an apartment where there are no windows, electricity and water. We moved after my child suffered a concussion. When I learnt about The Salvation Army, I started volunteering.’ Now she attends a women’s club and helps out in whatever way she can.

Supporting Children

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 community has become my family since I’m alone here with my sons, separated from my relatives – like most of the women in our community.’
- Daria, active community member

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.’

Outside of Ukraine (UK)

The Salvation Army in Ramsgate, UK, supports Ukrainian refugees through addressing their emotional, social and practical needs. This helps refugees to recover from trauma, reconnect with their heritage and build fulfilling lives in a new community.

English classes equip refugees with essential language skills, which allows them to develop relationships with the local community, enhancing their confidence and easing daily life challenges. A club for teenagers enables young people to meet with their peers, speak in their language and form friendships, helping to prevent isolation. In a similar vein, meetings are held for older people to connect with each other.

‘I felt much better when I realised that, despite my difficult situation, the instability and unsettled state of my life, I can help others and be useful to them.’
- Oksana, active community member

Training opportunities, such as developing barista skills, aid refugees in the gaining of self-esteem, work experience and a sense of purpose, paving the way for independence and financial stability. Volunteering opportunities are also available within The Salvation Army. By helping others, refugees find new meaning in their lives and contribute to the local community.

Community singing, traditional celebrations and shared meals bring people together, strengthening cultural identity and providing comfort through familiar traditions. A Ukrainian school enables children to maintain their language, heritage and cultural identity, fostering emotional stability and pride.

Through spiritual support and church services, refugees stay connected to their faith and find comfort, particularly in times of crisis.

• Find out more about The Salvation Army's response to the Russia-Ukraine war