Prioritizing Mental Well-Being Amid War
In the midst of ongoing war and relentless stress, Ukrainian performers are speaking out about the critical need to care for one's mental health. They share personal insights and strategies for maintaining psychological balance during these trying times. Kateryna Buzhynska notes:
“Mental health is incredibly important today for everyone, especially for us Ukrainians living through war.” - Kateryna Buzhynska
She also emphasizes the role of family: “My greatest support has always been and remains my family, my loved ones, and their encouragement.” Additionally, she mentions prayer as a helpful coping tool: “Prayer also helps me a great deal.”
Artists Share Their Personal Coping Strategies
Pavlo Zibrov defines mental health as “the ability to shift focus in time.” He talks about his love for fishing, which calms him and helps organize his thoughts: “I really enjoy fishing—the silence by the water soothes me and helps me sort out my thoughts.” Oksana Voyage opens up about her personal struggles, including a period when she experienced panic attacks. She stresses that “you need to take care of yourself not just when things get really hard, but every day.” Oksana also strives to maintain a balance between her physical and emotional state: “Today, I try to keep a balance between my physical and emotional well-being.”
Artist Julik discusses his active schedule: “I often travel across Ukraine and abroad for concerts, talk to people after performances, and see just how many of them desperately need emotional support right now.” He also notes that constant travel and nonstop work can build up stress: “Continuous moving, concerts, working without days off, the responsibility toward people—it all accumulates.”
Ihor Tselyp points out that health involves not only physical fitness but also one's inner state: “I believe that health isn't just about physical shape—it's also about your internal condition.” SOWA highlights the connection between mental and physical health, while NASTYA SEMCHUK believes that “self-care starts with very simple things”—such as sleep, good food, walks, and time with loved ones. She also underscores the importance of self-reflection: “We young people often live at a very fast pace and want to do everything, but sometimes we forget to ask ourselves: 'How am I really feeling?'”
In summary, Ukrainian artists are urging the public to pay attention to their mental health, support one another, and not overlook the simple things that can help cope with the challenges of war. With stress and psychological burdens becoming part of daily life, such initiatives can significantly improve overall well-being, as mental health is an essential component of physical health. Support from loved ones and recognizing the importance of self-care can be the first step toward mitigating the war's negative impact on people's psyches.