The war in Ukraine has caused a lot of misery and grief. The invasion of Russian aggressors entails loss of life and serious psychological problems, which, first of all, arise among those who are in the very line of fire. The fighting, death of friends and brothers, and the horrors of war seen with one’s own eyes leave a deep trace and require professional help from specialists.
Psychological rehabilitation of military personnel plays an important role in maintaining and restoring their mental health after serving in the armed forces. Military personnel experience various stressful situations and traumas during their service, and psychological rehabilitation helps them to adapt to civilian life and solve psychological problems. Different methods and approaches are used in the rehabilitation of military personnel, but the most effective results are achieved through their integrated application.
Methods of rehabilitation of military personnel
One of the main approaches in military rehabilitation is individual therapy. Psychologists and psychotherapists conduct sessions with military personnel to help them deal with personal problems and stresses. Psychotherapy techniques may include:
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT);
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT);
- Emotionally Oriented Therapy (EOT) and others.
Group psychotherapy for military personnel is equally effective. Military personnel can participate in group therapy sessions where they share their experiences and receive support from their peers. Group therapy helps service members cope with feelings of misunderstanding and loneliness.
Military personnel may face difficulties in family relationships after long service. Long absences from home, differences in perception of the situation, misunderstanding of each other and other problems caused by war can lead to serious difficulties between loved ones. Family therapy, in which work is done with both the military member and his or her family members, can help to deal with this side of the problem.
To cope with anxiety, depression and stress, spiritual practices are also used in the rehabilitation centre:
- Relaxation and meditation techniques help military personnel cope with stress.
- Deep breathing, yoga and other techniques may also be used.
An important part of rehabilitation is teaching soldiers stress management and problem-solving techniques. The programme includes training in time management, communication skills and others.
In some cases, medication may be used. It is mandatory when symptoms of mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, are diagnosed.
An important part of rehabilitation is to provide military personnel with social support and access to resources that can assist them in their transition to normal life. Attending various courses, masterclasses, learning new information, and engaging in socially useful activities demonstrate excellent therapeutic results.
Rehabilitation of military personnel: results and effectiveness
The effectiveness of the psychological rehabilitation of military personnel depends on how well the programme meets the individual needs of the person. Treatment should be tailored to the patient’s personality traits. This is the only way to help a person overcome trauma in the shortest possible time.
The effectiveness of psychological rehabilitation can be assessed on the basis of the degree of manifestation of symptoms of mental disorders, improvement in quality of life and the ability of military personnel to adapt to a peaceful environment. Effectiveness may also be related to early diagnosis and availability of professional help. Treatment should not be delayed and its importance to the military should not be underestimated. A lot depends on the timeliness of care – not only a person’s health, but also their future life. Programmes that include a combination of different methods and approaches usually produce the best results.
Rehabilitation Center for Military Personnel Cost (Price)
| Comprehensive psychological rehabilitation for military personnel (treatment, accommodation, meals, counseling) | from 2700 UAH/day |
| Comprehensive treatment in the rehabilitation center for military personnel (treatment, accommodation, meals, counseling) | from 27000 UAH/month |
| Consultation with a psychologist, psychotherapist | 1200 UAH |
| Consultation with a psychiatrist | 1400 UAH |
When to seek help
In some cases, military personnel returning from a combat zone do not need the help of specialists. But, unfortunately, such situations are becoming rarer and rarer. The prolonged war has a negative impact on the psychological sphere and leaves serious traces on it. Do not postpone seeking help Calls signalling the need for rehabilitation of servicemen in Ukraine will be:
- symptoms of psychological instability;
- suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, self-injury;
- increased aggression, inadequate response to normal situations;
- constant guilt and nervous breakdowns, tantrums;
- depression or apathy.
Timely rehabilitation helps to cope with the symptoms of trauma and start effective treatment. Yes, the horrors of war will remain in the memory. But it will be much easier to cope with them and accept the situation.
Psychological rehabilitation of the military: why it is needed
Rehabilitation of servicemen in a specialised centre helps, first of all, to improve the psychological state of a person who has experienced stress. The result of the work of rehabilitation centre specialists is help in drawing up a new picture of the world in which it will be possible to live. With memories that will not disappear, but with new goals and tasks, dreams and plans.
Many functions are deformed and altered in a person who has been through war. The goal of rehabilitation is to restore what has been lost, to achieve inner harmony, to accept the situation and the new self.
One of the main problems of Ukrainian defenders returning from war is the perception of themselves as different, not like other people. The changed picture of the world causes internal dissonance. The soldiers are embarrassed about their condition and do not want to admit that they have changed and have a different outlook on life. Working on acceptance helps to achieve inner harmony and establish not only social ties, but also peace within oneself. A person does not have to live the horrors of war within himself. Teaching him to live in society is another important task of rehabilitation.
