Ukraine Launches Nationwide Support Campaign for Women with Loved Ones in Service Ahead of World Mental Health Day

Supporting Women Across Ukraine

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Initiated by Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, a new communication campaign is being rolled out to support women whose family members are serving in the military. This effort coincides with World Mental Health Day on October 10 and is carried out in partnership with the nationwide mental health program "How Are You?" and UNICEF. The campaign aims to provide much-needed emotional support to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

“As World Mental Health Day approaches on October 10, together with the national mental health initiative ‘How Are You?’ and our UNICEF partners, we are launching a wave of support for women with loved ones serving in the armed forces,”

Olena Zelenska

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, at least 15 million Ukrainians will require psychosocial assistance due to varying degrees of mental health challenges. Experts estimate that 40-50% of the population may need psychological support ranging from mild to intensive. This highlights the urgent need for accessible resources and initiatives addressing mental well-being across the country.

Coordinated Efforts and Community Support

Alongside the communication campaign, nearly 40 coordinators and representatives from associations of families of prisoners of war and the missing have agreed to form a joint working group focused on advocacy and communication. The Ministry of Defense has also introduced regular meetings with coordinators of families of the fallen, missing, and captured soldiers. These gatherings aim to facilitate information sharing, mutual support, and collaborative problem-solving for families enduring difficult circumstances.

The mental health program’s platform features guidance from psychologist Svitlana Roiz on how to support children during times of grief. First Lady Zelenska emphasized, “Understanding what someone is going through helps us find the best ways to support them.” The campaign video shares personal stories, revealing how these women cope and how others can offer meaningful assistance.

Simple but impactful ways to help women with loved ones in service include:

• Taking a child for a walk to give the mother a moment to herself;
• Offering a ride;
• Helping with household chores;
• Preparing a meal;
• Listening attentively.

Such gestures can significantly ease the burden on those facing the emotional strain caused by the military service of their family members.

This campaign underscores the critical importance of supporting military families during Ukraine’s prolonged conflict, which has deeply affected the nation’s mental health. Providing psychosocial care not only improves individual well-being but also strengthens social bonds within communities. Active engagement with families of the fallen and missing, coupled with transparent communication with the public, remains essential in delivering the support and resources these families urgently require.

In light of the ongoing efforts to support military families, it's essential to recognize the initiatives being undertaken by the Ministry of Defense. Regular meetings with families of fallen and captured soldiers have been established to foster communication and provide vital assistance. These gatherings aim to create a supportive network, which complements the newly launched campaign for women with loved ones in service. For more insights on these coordinated efforts, visit the Defense Ministry's initiative.