The Hidden Wounds of War: Ukraine, Lithuania, and the Mental Health Crisis
As the war in Ukraine drags on, its effects extend far beyond the battlefield. Millions of Ukrainians, displaced and traumatized, face an ongoing mental health crisis. In neighboring Lithuania—a country with deep historical ties to Ukraine—the psychological toll is also being felt. While war reshapes the physical landscape, it is also leaving unseen scars on the minds of those affected.
On November 29, mental health professionals, researchers, and policymakers convened in Vilnius for a groundbreaking conference titled “Mental Health of Ukrainians and Lithuanians in the Conditions of War: Challenges and Solutions.” The event, organized by Ukreate Hub, the World Health Organization (WHO Office in Lithuania), and Domus Solis, aimed to dissect the psychological toll of war and forced migration—and more importantly, to find solutions.
A Crisis on Two Fronts
The war has triggered a mental health crisis on two parallel fronts:
For Ukrainians, both those still in the country and refugees abroad, trauma from bombings, displacement, and uncertainty is fueling an epidemic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
For Lithuanians, the war has resurfaced collective trauma from Soviet-era repression, leading to heightened stress and fear of renewed Russian aggression. At the same time, Lithuanian society is grappling with the challenge of integrating tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees—many of whom require urgent psychological support.
Expert Insights: Understanding the Mental Toll of War
At the conference, researchers and practitioners outlined the magnitude of the crisis and explored new approaches to mental health care.
Theoretical Perspectives: What the Data Tells Us
- Anastasia Ilieva (UNHCR, Latvia) presented mental health research on Ukrainian refugees, highlighting the extreme psychological distress caused by displacement and uncertainty.
- Dr. Alyona Mazhnaya (Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Ukraine) analyzed the impact of war-related trauma on Ukrainians, identifying key factors that contribute to psychological resilience—or breakdown.
- Edita Bishop (Ministry of Health, Lithuania) provided an overview of mental health reforms in Lithuania, including new efforts to accommodate the growing needs of war-affected individuals.
- Tetyana Zhdanova (Soul Lab, Ukraine) introduced mobile technology solutions designed to provide psychological support to displaced populations, even in the most remote areas.
Practical Solutions: How to Heal a Nation
While the statistics are sobering, the conference also highlighted pathways to healing—both for Ukrainians and Lithuanians.
- Prof. Dr. Danutė Gailienė (Vilnius University) explored the parallels between Lithuania’s historical traumas and Ukraine’s current crisis, offering insights on how societies can collectively heal.
- Irena Blaževičė (Domus Solis) described on-the-ground support strategies for Ukrainians dealing with acute mental health crises, both in Lithuania and war-torn Ukraine.
- Svitlana Zaluzhna (Open Nations) emphasized community-based integration efforts, showing how social connections can be a powerful tool for psychological resilience.
- Dr. Olena Shelestova (Kherson State University) discussed post-traumatic growth, explaining how survivors of war can rebuild their lives and find strength amid adversity.
A Call to Action: The Path Forward
The conference made one thing clear: mental health cannot be an afterthought in wartime. Addressing the psychological wounds of war requires sustained international cooperation, innovative solutions, and urgent investment in mental health infrastructure.
Key recommendations from the event included:
- Expanding access to trauma therapy and counseling services—especially for refugees and those in conflict zones.
- Increasing mental health funding and training for professionals in Lithuania and Ukraine.
- Strengthening digital mental health initiatives to reach displaced individuals.
- Fostering long-term psychological support programs for both Ukrainians and Lithuanians affected by the war.
The war in Ukraine will eventually end. But for millions, the battle for mental well-being will continue for years—perhaps decades. As the world mobilizes to aid Ukraine in its fight for survival, ensuring psychological resilience and healing must be part of the response.As one Lithuanian expert at the conference put it: “Physical wounds heal. But the trauma of war lingers in the mind. How we address it will define our societies for generations to come.”