Mental health of veterans and their families: The study results indicate an urgent need for support.
THE VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (VMHCE) of the Institute of Psychiatry at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv presented the results of the study “A Mental Health Needs Assessment of Ukrainian Combatants, Veterans, and Their Families During the War in Ukraine.”
This report represents an important step toward planning and improving the system of psychological and social support in the country.
Key Details of the Study
1. Collaboration and Initiative
The study was initiated with support from international partners: Fairfax Financial (Canada) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
The impetus for this work arose from the urgent need to strengthen support for military families and veterans, highlighted after the visit to Ukraine by Canadian General Roméo Dallaire and his wife Marie-Claude Michaud in October 2024.
2. Topic, Aim, and Participants
- Topic: Assessment of mental health needs of military personnel, veterans, and their families during wartime.
- Aim: To identify current problems and needs in order to inform the improvement and planning of relevant support services.
- Survey period: May–July 2025.
- Participants:
- 588 respondents (military personnel and their family members)
- 25 focus group participants (veterans, widows, wives, and mothers of service members)
3. Key Findings and Needs
Participants reported a significant deterioration in mental health across all target groups.
- Military personnel and veterans face PTSD, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reintegration difficulties, and stigma.
- Family members experience high levels of anxiety, sadness, fear, grief, physical exhaustion, and isolation.
Most urgent needs: Respondents most frequently emphasized the need for mental health support, along with needs related to housing, employment, and healthcare.
Future Use of the Findings
The results include a set of recommendations that will inform the development and refinement of national support programs.
Key directions:
- Development of individualized, trauma-informed care plans
- Ensuring a structured transition period after demobilization
- Creation of integrated support systems combining medical, psychological, social, and legal services
- Reducing societal stigma related to mental health problems
