MSF Psychologists Save Lives in Conflict Zones: Promoting Mental Health and Well-being Through Immediate Support and Long-term Sustainability

MSF psychologists play a vital role in mobile clinics by educating patients about the importance of mental health and its impact on their overall well-being. They offer guidance on improving sleep quality, managing anxiety and stress, and conduct psycho-educational sessions with communities on stress management. By providing basic techniques and support for mental health, patients can stabilize their emotional state and prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders.

However, some cases may require more intensive and long-term intervention. For example, after a missile attack on a café in Hroza village in Kharkiv, MSF psychologists provided psychological support to survivors who had lost loved ones. Six individuals with serious injuries, including those affecting brain function and speech, received care. Victoria Lepekha, a mental health supervisor with MSF, emphasized the importance of providing support to people experiencing acute grief by listening to them, offering sympathy, and being a comforting presence during their time of need.

In addition to providing immediate care to trauma victims, MSF psychologists also work to promote long-term mental health stability among communities in conflict zones. They work closely with local healthcare providers and community leaders to develop sustainable programs that address the unique mental health needs of each community they serve. By doing so, they help ensure that people have access to the resources they need to maintain good mental health even in the face of ongoing conflict.

Overall, MSF’s mobile clinics are an essential resource for people affected by conflict who require immediate access to psychological support. Whether it’s supporting individuals who have experienced trauma or developing sustainable programs that promote long-term mental health stability among communities in conflict zones, MSF’s psychologists are making a critical difference in people’s lives.