Every fourth Ukrainian (28%) shows signs of a high level of stress, according to a study by the American University Kyiv and the Rating Lab Research Laboratory.
Almost half of Ukrainians felt the need for psychotherapy in the past six months. Among them, nearly half (48%) are Ukrainians aged 18–29. Over the last six months, 40% of respondents felt the need for psychological help, yet less than 20% sought it.
Two-thirds of those surveyed have never consulted specialists, primarily due to the difficulty of finding one and high costs. Furthermore, a prevalent stereotype remains that it is not common in Ukraine to seek help from psychologists or psychotherapists, according to 60% of respondents. Additionally, 13% believe that seeking psychological help indicates weakness and harms one's reputation.
The youngest group surveyed, aged 18–29, asserts (83%) that psychotherapy is the most effective method for overcoming stress, anxiety, and depressive states. In contrast, among the oldest group (60+ years), one-third consider psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists the least effective solution to problems.
How Ukrainians help themselves cope with stress: Ukrainians most often overcome stress through conversations with loved ones and friends (41%) and walks (38%). Performing household chores (36%) and spending time with children (33%) or pets (35%) can also reduce stress. However, Ukrainians also report that they improve their emotional state through the consumption of alcohol and food (20%).
