Ukraine civilian mental health crisis: 31.2% suffer from PTSD

A recent study has revealed a severe mental health crisis among Ukrainian civilians due to the ongoing war. Research conducted by the Cooperation and Conflict in Eastern Europe (KonKoop) network indicates that 31.2% of surveyed civilians meet the criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex PTSD (CPTSD). This rate is more than three times the global average, which typically remains below 10%.

The findings, published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology, were based on interviews with over 2,500 Ukrainians living in government-controlled regions. The data shows that over 90% of participants experienced at least one traumatic event during adulthood, with the majority directly linked to the Russian invasion. Specifically, more than 70% reported bombings or attacks in their residential areas, and 65% witnessed war-related destruction firsthand.

Beyond PTSD, the psychological impact is widespread. Research from the World Health Organization indicates that over 70% of respondents reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, or intense stress within the previous year. The prolonged exposure to continuous shelling, displacement, and loss of relatives has created a deep and lasting psychological footprint on the population.