Ukraine: Mental Health Crisis Intensifies for Children as War Enters Fourth Year
As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year, children are bearing the brunt of the mental health crisis, with many facing long-lasting psychological trauma without sufficient access to mental health services. Ukrainian psychologists with Project HOPE warn that they’ve seen an influx of cases of children showing signs of worsening anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Years of war have disrupted children’s education, separated them from loved ones, and forced them to endure relentless stress and fear, which have a significant impact on their emotional and cognitive development.
Despite the overwhelming need, access to mental health care remains severely limited. Ukraine’s health system continues to be under immense strain, leaving most children without access to trauma-informed care services, and age-appropriate mental health care, forcing them to cope with the effects of war alone. Without immediate investment in mental health infrastructure and services, millions of children risk facing a future ruled by unresolved trauma. Project HOPE reiterates its call for a ceasefire and urges the international community to prioritize mental health care, ensuring that children receive the support they need to heal.
Oleksandra Besedina, MHPSS Coordinator in Odesa, Ukraine, emphasized the devastating impact of war on children’s mental health and the urgent need for tailored mental health care:
“Ukrainian children have witnessed not only brutal bombings, rocket attacks, large-scale fires, and mass destruction, but for millions, the war has also stolen birthday celebrations, time with family and friends, and deprived them of their bed, favorite items, and pets. These experiences don’t just cause momentary distress—they leave lasting psychological scars that will affect them for a lifetime. Unlike adults, children have far fewer psychological resources to cope with prolonged stress, and because each child processes trauma uniquely, tailored mental health care is crucial—without it, we risk losing an entire generation to the invisible wounds of war.”
Project HOPE has been working in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022, supporting health clinics with supplies and medicines, reconstructing medical facilities, training health workers, and providing mental health support to those impacted by the war. Project HOPE has been actively providing essential mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to over 238,000 individuals at eight Project HOPE MHPSS Centers, five internally displaced centers, 41 hospitals (both in-person and virtually), and 18 mobile medical units.
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Project HOPE has team members in Ukraine who are available for interviews in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. For media inquiries, contact media@projecthope.org.
