What is it about?
This study explores how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has affected the mental, social, and behavioral health of Ukrainians living in the United States. We compared those who migrated before the invasion to those who arrived after. The research found that Ukrainians who arrived after the invasion reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and alcohol misuse, whereas those who arrived earlier reported feeling more optimistic and satisfied with life. These findings emphasize the significant impact that ongoing conflicts have on the mental health of displaced individuals and suggest that tailored support is needed for those who have experienced such crises.
Featured Image
Photo by Kedar Gadge on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This study provides timely insights into the mental health impacts of the Russian invasion on Ukrainian migrants who have resettled in the United States. Unlike other research that might focus solely on conflict regions, our work highlights the ongoing struggles of displaced individuals even after they have reached safety. By comparing those who migrated before and after the invasion, we capture the immediate and long-term psychological effects of war. This research can inform targeted mental health interventions and policy efforts, emphasizing the need for specialized support for those affected by recent and ongoing crises.
Perspectives
Writing this article has been a deeply personal and significant journey for me. When I began collecting data, the war had recently started. Speaking with Ukrainians in the U.S. who were directly or indirectly exposed to the conflict, it became clear how profoundly traumatized they were. These individuals were forced to migrate and urgently needed mental health support. The suffering of this population is ongoing. Even in the U.S., they remain connected to the conflict through news updates and conversations with loved ones still in the war zone. This continuous exposure keeps their trauma and stress alive, leaving them uncertain about the fate of their families. I hope this article increases awareness on their issue and contributes to efforts to provide the support they so desperately need. This experience has strengthened my commitment to studying psychological trauma and finding ways to help those affected by crises like this one. I am grateful to my team and mentor for their unwavering support throughout this process. I hope this article can contribute to the broader conversation and inspire action to support those in need.
Aigerim Alpysbekova
University of Texas at Austin
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The effect of the Russian invasion on mental, social, and behavioral health among Ukrainians living in the United States., Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy, August 2024, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/tra0001770.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
