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Most Ukrainians are stressed about the war, but few have ever visited a psychotherapist. At the same time, hope is among the most common feelings in Ukrainian society, and trust in the Armed Forces is prevailing. This was evidenced by the survey conducted by Gradus sociological company.
According to the results, 41% of respondents rated their mental health as satisfactory, while 51% said it was in an average condition. For the most part, Ukrainians are guided by their own feelings/observations when determining their mental condition.
Read also: Half of the Ukrainians have relatives who fight – the survey
«71% of respondents have recently felt stressed or very nervous. In addition, more than a third of respondents declare that they have recently felt tension (42%), hope (41%) and fatigue (41%),» – the report reads.
Among the causes of stress, war is mentioned most often (72%), being followed by financial difficulties (44%). The safety of close people is the most noted stress-evoking aspect of war (63%).
Despite this, about half of the respondents (46%) have never visited a psychologist/psychotherapist and do not plan it in the future. At the same time, one-third have not visited specialists earlier but do not rule out visiting them if necessary (the highest share of such intention is recorded among women and the 25-34 age group). Only 7% of respondents had the experience of going to a psychologist/psychotherapist, while 1% have regular sessions.
Among the barriers to seeking psychological help during the last 6 months, the surveyed respondents most often mention the insignificance of their own problems (31%) and confidence in the ability to cope on their own (26%). For 20%, such help is too expensive.
Read also: «Trust is gradually changing Ukrainians,» – sociology scholar Danylo Sudyn
In the conditions of war, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are the most trusted among the surveyed (59%). Next in terms of the trust are the President of Ukraine (44%) and volunteer organizations (25%). Among government services and institutions, respondents have significant trust (37%) in the «Diia» online platform, and the least trust in courts (2%) and the State Tax Service (1%).
Among international organizations, a quarter of respondents trust the World Health Organization (25%) and UNICEF (24%).
We will remind you that Natalia Pylat, an associate professor at the Ukrainian Catholic University, explained in our studio how positive emotions help Ukrainians fight fears of a potential nuclear attack, what the difference between the values of Ukrainians and Russians is, and why the psychology of children is more resilient in the times of war comparing to the older people. Read the material here: «If hate disappears, we’ll become indifferent like Russians,» – psychologist Natalia Pylat.
By Vitalii Holich
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