Ukraine's border service rolls out NATO initiative for psychological support of soldiers
Photo: Ukraine's border service
The State Border Guard Service is implementing the NATO project on mental health support of the Ukrainian military, Rubryka reports.
What is the problem?
Many Ukrainians took up arms to defend their country. Many acquire physical injuries and psychological trauma during hostilities, so it's vital to protect soldiers from the possible consequences of their injuries so that they can then return to normal life after they finish service. It is also important to support them now in the conditions of hostilities so that the military does not close off their mental trauma.
What is the solution?
The new project is a response to the urgent need for education and psychological training of the Ukrainian troops. It is aimed at their acquisition of vital skills of psychological assistance in combat conditions.
A project on psychological rehabilitation and the development of psychological stability of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is ongoing as part of the Comprehensive Assistance Package to Ukraine.
Photo: Ukraine's border service
It is reported that the project is designed to restore troops' psychological stability and fighting capacity.
How does it work?
The training seminars take place at the Western and Southern regional offices of Ukraine's border service. Combatants are taught to overcome stress and reduce anxiety and psychological tension.
Photo: Ukraine's border service
Photo: Ukraine's border service
The project continues the psychological rehabilitation program of the NATO Delegation, which was implemented from 2014 to 2019. The practical implementation of the project is ensured by the Officers' League, a non-governmental organization that has been systematically working in psychological support for military personnel since 2014.
In 2023, it is planned to hold 65 three-day trainings for troops involved in tasks in combat areas. The training is aimed at participants practicing practical psychological skills supported by theoretical knowledge.
Photo: Ukraine's border service
The military masters the methods of first psychological self-aid and assistance to comrades in combat conditions in accordance with recognized international practices and protocols. The training teaches soldiers measures to overcome negative mental states, emotional and volitional mobilization methods, and individual psychological counseling for fighters who need it.
Rubryka reported that the National Association for Psychological Assistance has created a hotline for all those affected by the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation.
Rubryka also reported that the training of veterans' assistants has started in Ukraine, with the first sessions in Mykolaiv.
