Olena Zelenska in an interview with Vogue Ukraine Edition
First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska said in an interview with Vogue Ukraine Edition that caring for psychological well-being is a matter of survival for Ukrainians and is relevant to the entire world.
The president's wife recalled that the results of an international sociological study presented during the Third Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv on September 6th of this year demonstrated that mental health is among the top five global challenges of the present and the future. Study participants from 11 countries expressed feelings of anxiety, uncertainty about the future, and fragility in established systems. This highlights the importance of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program, being implemented in Ukraine to make psychological assistance as widespread and accessible as possible.
The First Lady said that the main challenge faced during the program's implementation is the stigma, stereotype that strong individuals do not need help. To overcome this, a gentle and friendly approach is necessary, Olena Zelenska said. To popularize the idea that seeking help is not shameful, a communication campaign titled "How are you?" has been launched as part of the program.
The president's wife also highlighted the importance of paying attention to the psychological well-being of children and communicating with them.
"Children constantly ask when the war will end, and it's best to be honest and say: I don't know, but it will surely come to an end," the First Lady said, adding that planning for the future together is also crucial.
Olena Zelenska said that empathy is a vital tool in supporting the resilience of individuals and the entire society.
She also expressed her belief that the state and society should prepare to create dignified conditions for defenders.
"Just placing a hand on your heart when you see a military person is kind, but it's better to take action: arrange workplaces for people with disabilities, consider how to help veterans with education and retraining as needed," the First Lady said.
