London, UK
September 4, 2025
As the full-scale conflict in Ukraine nears its fourth year, a grim new UN report has detailed the severe mental health toll on Ukrainian civilians amid the sustained Russian aerial assaults and the constant, underlying tension of war. The report, released by UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), highlights a growing national mental health crisis, characterized by a sharp rise in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among women and children who endure sleepless nights of bombardment and the constant threat of danger.
The findings, presented in an interview with UN Women’s Representative in Ukraine Sabine Freizer Gunes on September 3, paint a distressing picture of a society under immense psychological strain. According to Freizer Gunes, “pretty much everybody who lives in Ukraine” has some form of mental health issue due to the conflict. While the physical scars of war are evident in destroyed buildings and landscapes, the UN’s analysis exposes the deep and lasting psychological wounds inflicted on the population. The constant wailing of air raid sirens, the stress of frequent nocturnal attacks, and the uncertainty of not knowing if one will survive the night have created a pervasive state of “emotional exhaustion,” as described by UN officials.
The report also cites data from a World Health Organization (WHO) assessment from late 2024, which found that 68% of Ukrainians reported a decline in their overall health since the start of the conflict, with mental health concerns being the most prevalent issue. The assessments estimate that millions of Ukrainians, including over a million children, are already living with or are at risk of developing a mental health condition. Children, in particular, have shown alarming symptoms, including speech defects, twitching, and sleep disorders, as documented by organizations like Save the Children.
The challenges in addressing this crisis are immense. The UN report points to structural barriers, including the destruction of healthcare infrastructure and the displacement of millions, which have made it incredibly difficult for people to access the care they need. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant hurdle. Many Ukrainians, particularly men, are hesitant to seek professional help, leading to a silent epidemic of suffering. Reports from UNFPA’s mobile psychosocial support teams, which travel to the front lines, reveal that people often believe they do not need help, even when exhibiting clear signs of distress.
The report’s findings arrive at a critical juncture, as international organizations are facing significant funding cuts. The UN’s report warns that essential mental health and gender-based violence services are at risk of closure due to a lack of financial support, which could leave millions of women and girls without the support they desperately need. This impending crisis in mental health support poses a long-term threat to Ukraine’s recovery, as the psychological wounds of war, if left unaddressed, can hinder a society’s ability to rebuild and thrive long after the fighting has ceased.
Headline Points
* Widespread Mental Health Crisis: A UN report details a severe and widespread mental health toll on Ukrainian civilians, stating that “pretty much everybody” in the country is affected.
* Common Conditions: The report notes a rise in mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, with children showing signs like speech defects and sleep disorders.
* Invisible Wounds: The mental health crisis is described as an “invisible” consequence of sustained Russian attacks and the constant stress of living in a war zone.
* Barriers to Care: The UN highlights significant challenges in providing mental health support, including damaged infrastructure, a lack of funding, and social stigma.
* A Long-Term Threat: The report warns that without adequate support, the psychological wounds of the war could have a lasting, negative impact on Ukraine’s future.
