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A month has passed since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Researchers identify four phases of experiencing the stress of war. Psychologist Mariana Franko briefly analyzes each of the psycho-emotional stages and explains which of them most Ukrainians are now.
Today marks exactly one month since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine. During this time, acute stress passes in 60% of people, and our psyche is quite symbolic and notices such dates. Therefore, it is likely that many of us are now moving to the next psycho-emotional stage, namely the stage of disappointment.
In total, researchers identify four phases of the war:
1. PHASE OF HEROISM (at this time people experience heroic behaviour);
2. HONEYMOON PHASE (survivors come together and hope for the best);
3. DISAPPOINTMENT PHASE (when hopes for a speedy recovery have not yet been realized and it is unknown when they will be realized);
4. RECONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION PHASE (survivors already understand that they need to solve the problems they face by themselves).
Now, in more detail. After extreme shock and panic, the first phase of the war begins – the so-called heroic phase. Lasts from several hours to several days. During it, all people, especially volunteers, are extremely united, trying to help each other, and at the same time show the best altruistic traits that a person has.
The motto of this phase «Nothing for myself, everything for people!» People are forgetting about themselves and even their needs, therefore, run the risk of exhaustion. It is important for volunteers to understand in which phase the extreme event is, so as not to start burning out and getting sick.
After the first days of the heroic phase comes the phase of the «honeymoon». During this stage, the whole society is very united, volunteer organizations start working, and it seems that everything is going well.
And now attention! We have already had a month, when after the honeymoon many people may have a third phase – a phase of disappointment. There is a loss of illusions. When we have not reached a quick solution, have not realized hopes, and people have not changed and are beginning to show the most negative behaviours.
We also need to be prepared for this, because people are now under chronic stress, exhausted and not critical. There are more and more conflicts between loved ones, relatives, and those whom you have sheltered.
Stuck in this phase provokes energy depletion in conflicts, witch hunts and the search for culprits.
During the recovery phase, we go through a stage of maturation and reconstruction, when there is an opportunity for a new foundation in society. Survivors understand the need to learn to solve their own problems and rebuild the country.
If individual crises or crises in society overlap, the phases may lengthen and people will be pushed back again to previous phases.
Therefore, we need to learn to notice and understand what phase we are in so that we can adapt to the constant stress of war and be prepared for the situations that inevitably arise at the appropriate stage of the war. Then we will be able to go through all the phases much faster. Focus our time and energy on building the best possible strategies and tactics for both personal and our joint victory.
Keep track of what stage you are in now, take care of yourself, take care of your loved ones and then we «will have everything Ukraine!»
By Mariana Franko, translated by Kateryna Bortniak
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