Olena Zelenska, the wife of the President of Ukraine, took part in the First Annual International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health “Warrior: Life, Health, Combat Capability”.
During the event, leading medical experts, military personnel, state officials, representatives of international organizations and civil society discussed issues of military personnel’s health, rehabilitation, evacuation, medical care on the battlefield, scientific and technological innovations in military medicine. Special attention was paid to the mental health of Ukrainian defenders.
"In various surveys, only a third of the servicemen say they would go to a psychologist. The answers of the defenders show a nationwide trend: the prejudice that psychological help is a 'manifestation of weakness'. And the task of the whole society is to overcome this stigma, to explain and realize that the ability to accept help is, on the contrary, a demonstration of strength,” the First Lady emphasized.
She noted that one of the most important tasks of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program is to support the fighters. Olena Zelenska pointed out that along with the military, their loved ones should also receive such assistance.
“Every warrior is not just a part of the army. They are fathers, husbands, mothers, daughters. That is why it is important that families learn self-help skills and know how to support their loved ones who are defending our country on the frontline,” the First Lady said.
She noted that there are many practices in the world that Ukraine can and should adopt.
“During a recent trip to the United States, I was greatly impressed by the Walter Reed Center, the most powerful medical complex for the military in the country. Every paramedic learns the skills to support mental health. This helps them make the right decisions and helps those around them. I am glad that soon a delegation of our specialists, headed by the Minister of Health, will visit the center to study everything in detail,” Olena Zelenska said.
The First Lady thanked the international partners for their willingness to share their experience and urged Ukrainian officials to take care of the mental well-being of Ukraine's defenders.
