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DOI: https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2023.70.10.7
How to Cite:
Krasnodemska, I., Savitskaya, M., Berezan, V., Tovstukha, O., & Rodchenko, L. (2023). Psychological consequences of warfare for
combatants: ways of social reintegration and support in Ukraine. Amazonia Investiga, 12(70), 78-87.
https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2023.70.10.7
Psychological consequences of warfare for combatants: ways of social
reintegration and support in Ukraine
Consecuencias psicológicas de la guerra para los combatientes: vías de reintegración social
y apoyo en Ucrania
Received: August 10, 2023 Accepted: October 16, 2023
Written by:
Iryna Krasnodemska1
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5552-9073
Maryia Savitskaya2
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3585-3300
Valentyna Berezan3
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4999-7898
Olesia Tovstukha4
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7998-1208
Larisa Rodchenko5
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2141-4742
Abstract
The aim of the article is to analyse the main ways
of social reintegration and support for military
personnel in Ukraine through the prism of
analysing the main psychological effects on the
combatants' mental health. The realisation of this
goal involves the use of general scientific
methods of analysis and synthesis, content
analysis of scientific literature. The results show
that the participation of servicemen in war can
lead to serious psychological stress,
communication, emotional, information stress.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most
common mental disorders among war veterans
and includes various symptoms that can
negatively affect physical and mental health,
including repeated flashes of traumatic
memories, sense of mirroring, agitation, and
avoidance of certain social situations. The
1
PhD in History, Head of the Department of Historical-Legal and Theoretical-Methodological Problems of Ukraine, Research Institute
of Ukrainian Studies, Kyiv, Ukraine. WoS Researcher ID: IAK-3300-2023
2
Medical Doctor, Ludwik Rydygier Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland. WoS Researcher ID: JJE-2363-2023
3
Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Work, Rehabilitation and Post-war Adaptation,
Professor of the Department of Music named after Hryhoriy Levchenko, Poltava V. G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University,
Faculty of Psychology and Social Work, Poltava, Ukraine. WoS Researcher ID: JFB-4690-2023
4
PhD in Pedagogy, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Educational and Research Institute of Pedagogy and
Psychology;Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Poltava, Ukraine. WoS Researcher ID: HMV-9513-2023
5
Doctor of Science in Public Administration, Professor Interregional Academy of Personnel Management, Professor, department of
Public Administration, Kyiv, Ukraine, Phychiatric clinic of the National Military Medical Clinical Center “Main Military Clinical
Hospital”, Kyiv, Ukraine.
Krasnodemska, I., Savitskaya, M., Berezan, V., Tovstukha, O., Rodchenko, L. / Volume 12 - Issue 70: 78-87 / October, 2023
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following methods are important to overcome the
psychological effects of war: cognitive
behavioural therapy, support from family and
friends, effective communication, regular
physical activity, and a balanced diet. It is also
important to integrate servicemen and women
into society by providing appropriate conditions
for retraining, labour guarantees, state support,
preferential conditions for admission and
training, scholarships, additional educational
services in the public space, etc. The conclusions
note that it is important to provide legal support
and services in the healthcare sector.
Keywords: military personnel, psychological
support, society, reintegration, psychological
trauma.
Introduction
Research problem
Currently, contemporary psychological
assistance is characterized by the provision of
support to individuals or groups with the aim of
restoring their desired psychological well-being,
enhancing mental processes, improving behavior
and communication, and engaging them in group
activities. However, the challenges associated
with the psychological rehabilitation and social
reintegration of servicemen involved in combat
operations, particularly within the complex
framework of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian
hybrid war, remain inadequately explored. Brief
descriptions of the context of the Russian-
Ukrainian hybrid war elucidate the unique
challenges faced in this specific scenario.
Ukrainian experiences underscore the need for
comprehensive research to address both the
theoretical and practical aspects of establishing
such a field of activity in Ukraine. Furthermore,
the development and implementation of a new,
adapted system necessitate further exploration
and inquiry.
Research focus
This issue is particularly relevant when
considering the main psychological
consequences of warfare for combatants. Today,
as Ukrainian official data show, they face many
different problems that often need to be solved
without the help of the state or other institutions.
Accordingly, the relevance of this study is
determined by several important aspects. In
particular, the theoretical substantiation of
psychological consequences and the
development of effective methods of support and
reintegration are extremely important tasks for
modern society. At the same time, combatants
returning to civilian life may face various
psychological and social difficulties, such as
post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, loss of
social positioning, etc. The study may reveal
ways to improve their psychological well-being
and reintegration into society. Nevertheless, it
should be noted that the results of the study can
serve as a basis for the development of programs
and policies aimed at improving the
psychological well-being of combatants and their
social reintegration.
Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to
analyze in detail the main ways of social
reintegration and support for military personnel
in Ukraine through the prism of analyzing the
main psychological consequences on the mental
health of combatants. The field of research
questions includes:
1. Analysis of modern literature on the research
problem.
2. Characterization of the main psychological
consequences of military operations for
combatants.
3. Description of the areas, opportunities, and
challenges of social reintegration and
support for military personnel.
Theoretical Framework or Literature Review
The persistent hybrid warfare in Ukraine has
exacerbated the psychological adversities
confronted by combatants, manifesting in
escalated levels of violence and destruction.
Consequently, heightened stress and trauma have
become prevalent among these individuals.
Empirical investigations indicate an augmented
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susceptibility to specific psychological disorders,
notably chronic post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), among combatants involved in the
Ukrainian hybrid war. Notably, Hrynzovskyi et
al., (2022) discerned a diagnosis rate of
approximately 20% for chronic PTSD among
former ATO participants and those presently
engaged in the Joint Forces Operation in
Ukraine.
The contemporary scholarly discourse
underscores the salience of examining the nexus
between warfare and mental and physical health,
given the ongoing hybrid war in Ukraine.
Scholarly inquiries have systematically delved
into the intricacies of the psychological
challenges confronting combatants, elucidating
various methods for their social reintegration and
support (Bowd & Özerdem, 2013; Duel et al.,
2019). Current research in this domain elucidates
the heightened vulnerability of combat veterans
to an array of psychological issues,
encompassing post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental
health complications (Kryvolapchuk & Protsyk,
2020; Kisil et al., 2021).
Given this forecast, there is an urgent need to
strengthen rehabilitation efforts by involving
scientists, methodologists, medical
professionals, social workers, experts from
government agencies, and civil-military
cooperation (CIMIC) specialists. According to
the results of contemporary researchers
Shynkarova, (2022) and Malachynska et al.,
(2022), this joint approach is aimed at responding
promptly to combatants' requests for the
organization and implementation of
comprehensive rehabilitation measures that
extend support to the families and loved ones of
servicemen and women. The study by Stadnik et
al., (2023) identifies the main conditions and
features of the formation of the psychological
well-being of cadets and Ukrainian youth under
martial law. At the same time, Skrypkin (2020)
analyzes the internal aspects of the requirements
for the reintegration of Ukrainian combatants
into civilian life based on research conducted
between 2015 and 2019. The focus of this
research was on the desire to be understood
rather than judged, the desire for social
recognition and acceptance, and the impact of
high social status (Skrypkin, 2020). In addition,
modern research describes the problems that
affect the realities of military personnel's civilian
life and determine their increased vulnerability to
negative social influences (Subedi, 2018).
According to Skrypkin (2020) and Andrew
Castro & Dursun (2019), social and professional
adaptation can be difficult due to psychological
and physical limitations, as well as social stigma.
Some problems of adaptation of military
personnel to previously familiar everyday life are
described in Sayers (2011).
According to the concept of Tymochko (2022),
government agencies develop and implement
various support programs for combatants in
Ukraine. The study by Fossey et al., (2019)
characterizes various programs and activities that
affect the social support of military personnel.
These programs include psychological
assistance, vocational training, and other types of
support. Also, the peculiarities of cultural
influence on the support of mental health of
military personnel are described in Truusa &
Andrew Castro (2019). The peculiarities of the
reintegration of military doctors are analyzed in
the analytical article by Stanton et al., (2016). At
the same time, the experience of psychological
and physical support for military widows is
described in detail by Shynkarova (2022).
Subsequent research endeavors may concentrate
on the systematic evaluation of the efficacy of
support programs tailored for combatants in
Ukraine. Such investigations could discern the
effectiveness of these programs by gauging their
influence on the mental well-being of
combatants, their capacity to assimilate into
civilian life, and their satisfaction levels with the
provided support. Despite extant research
shedding light on select dimensions of military
reintegration, it is imperative to comprehensively
appraise the efficacy and applicability of these
programs for implementation. Consequently, the
dynamic nature of the (global) Russian-
Ukrainian war necessitates ongoing
contemplation to address the evolving challenges
associated with this issue.
Methodology
General background
The study of the psychological consequences of
military operations for combatants through the
prism of analyzing the main ways of social
reintegration and support in Ukraine was carried
out using a theoretical approach based on the
analysis of literature and articles from available
databases.
Materials and methods
The research methodology utilized in this
investigation employs a systematic content
analysis of contemporary scientific literature.
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The process involves a meticulous examination
of scientific articles and other scholarly sources
sourced from reputable databases, including
Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google
Scholar. The selection of these databases aligns
with the intention of ensuring a comprehensive
review of the available literature.
The search strategy was methodically crafted
around key terms pertinent to the study's focus,
namely “social reintegration,” “military
personnel,” “Ukraine,” “psychological
assistance,” and “combatants.” This strategic
approach aimed to generate a robust dataset for
analysis. The search on Google Scholar, based on
the specified keywords, yielded a substantial
total of 700 results.
To refine the dataset and ensure a more focused
analysis, a judicious selection process was
employed. Specifically, more than 30 papers,
deemed most relevant and valuable to the study
objectives, were carefully chosen from the initial
pool. The emphasis during this selection process
leaned towards empirical studies, contributing to
a more nuanced understanding of the
psychological implications of military
operations.
Consequently, the content analysis procedures
involved scrutinizing and synthesizing the
information extracted from the selected empirical
articles. This methodological approach not only
enhanced precision in capturing pertinent
insights but also facilitated the derivation of a
foundational understanding of the psychological
ramifications associated with military
operations. The systematic content analysis,
grounded in the examination of empirical studies
from reputable databases, strengthens the
reliability and validity of the research findings.
Results and Discussion
Psychological Challenges of War: Disorders
and Ways of Resistance
According to a study conducted by the
International Organization for Migration, more
than 15 million Ukrainians have reported a
deterioration in their mental well-being since the
start of the full-scale invasion, and almost one in
four Ukrainians (23%) are in need of
psychological and psychosocial assistance
(Kelly, 2022). Data from the World Health
Organization suggests that approximately 22% of
people living in conflict-affected regions will
experience some type of mental disorder within a
decade (Kelly, 2022). These disorders can range
from mild conditions such as depression and
anxiety to more serious mental illness. However,
it has been found that military personnel who
have taken part in combat are most likely to
suffer from psychological problems.
Participation in combat operations exposes
individuals to a myriad of stressors and
challenges that can significantly contribute to the
development of psychological disorders. Several
factors play a crucial role in influencing the
mental health of individuals engaged in combat,
including, for example, exposure to life-
threatening situations, witnessing violence, and
experiencing personal harm or loss can lead to
the development of psychological disorders.
Traumatic events, such as combat-related
incidents, can have a profound impact on mental
well-being. The continuous exposure to high-
stress environments and prolonged periods of
uncertainty can contribute to the development of
disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). The unpredictable nature of combat
situations can heighten anxiety and erode
psychological resilience. Also, the experience of
losing comrades or witnessing casualties can
evoke intense grief and sorrow. Coping with loss,
especially in the context of combat, may lead to
complicated grief reactions and contribute to the
onset of psychological disorders. Participation in
combat operations became a main cause of social
isolation. Separation from family and friends,
coupled with the unique demands of military life,
can result in social isolation. Lack of emotional
support and a sense of detachment may
exacerbate feelings of loneliness and contribute
to the development of mental health issues.
Servicemen and women who participate in
combat operations are partly characterized by
certain traits that manifest themselves in certain
mental states, behaviors, and processes. First of
all, it can be a tendency to bad mood, irritability,
tension, apathy, signs of depression, anxiety,
phobias, guilt, aggressiveness, anger,
resentment, etc. In addition, there may be a
fixation on losses, problems with falling asleep,
nightmares, tremors, and an inability to relieve
tension (Yatsenko, 2022). All of this leads to a
feeling of severe fatigue and lack of energy,
memory loss, difficulties with concentration,
addiction to memories of the war, various
symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder,
social and psychological maladjustment, and
limited communication.
Psychological science generally distinguishes
between physiological and psychological stress.
At the same time, psychological stress includes
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communication, emotional, and information
stress. Physiological stress is a stress response
that occurs in response to stressful external
factors, usually of a non-psychological nature.
Psychological stress is defined as a certain
reaction to the peculiarities of interaction
between an individual and the world around him
or her, based on cognitive processes, expression
of thoughts, and evaluation situations. In this
context, there remains a unifying criterion that
allows generalizing a wide range of external
influences directed at a person in terms of their
psychological essence for a particular individual
(Haas et al., 2005). Thus, a causal factor is
identified that influences the further development
of behavioral and somatovegetative reactions
that can affect the formation of a certain
psychological state (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. The structure of psychological stress
Source: Kokun et al., (2015).
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of
the most common mental disorders among war
veterans (Kharchenko, 2019). It is a condition
where a person cannot effectively cope with the
stress caused by these events and is characterized
by a number of symptoms that affect their
physical and mental well-being. These symptoms
can include repeated flashes of traumatic
memories, feelings of mirroring, agitation, and
avoidance of certain social processes
(see Figure 2).
Figure 2. The main features of PTSD
Source: compiled by the authors
PTSD
Revitalizing memories
It is a feeling when a person recalls memories
of traumatic events. These flashbacks can be
very intense and realistic and can include both
visual images and sounds.
Excessive vigor
A person with PTSD may experience a
constant state of high alert and heightened
anxiety. They may be ready to react to danger
even if it is not present and feel hyper-aroused.
Avoidance
A person may try to avoid reminders that are
related to the traumatic event. They may avoid
talking about what happened and even avoid
certain places or situations.
Physical symptoms
People with PTSD may experience physical
symptoms such as chest pain, headaches,
nausea, and anxiety.
Sleep disorders
Insomnia, nightmares, and other sleep
disorders are very common among people
with PTSD.
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PTSD can occur after any type of traumatic
event, including war and violence. Treatment
includes psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive
behavioral therapy or emotionally focused
therapy), pharmacological therapy, and support
from loved ones. In general, professional care
contributes to improved quality and informed
support for a person experiencing PTSD and a
gradual return to normal life (Pedlar et al., 2019).
At the same time, participation in military
operations can cause anxiety reactions and
various anxiety disorders, such as generalized
anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic
disorder, and phobias. In particular, generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive anxiety and worry that can affect a
servicemember's ability to concentrate and
perform tasks. Social anxiety disorder is an
anxiety that occurs in social situations and can
lead to isolation and complicate interpersonal
relationships (Melnyk et al., 2019). Another
serious problem can be depression, which occurs
as a result of stress, trauma, and other challenges
associated with military service. It can affect the
mental state and physical health of military
personnel and veterans. Figure 3 shows the main
symptoms that indicate depression.
Figure 3. The main symptoms of depression
Source: authors' own development
Concurrently, evidence-based therapeutic
modalities, notably cognitive-behavioral therapy
(CBT) and exposure therapy, have demonstrated
efficacy in equipping service members with
adaptive strategies for the management of
anxiety and stress stemming from their military
experiences (Xu et al., 2023). Cognitive-
behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and
modifying maladaptive thought patterns and
behaviors, while exposure therapy systematically
addresses and desensitizes individuals to
distressing stimuli associated with traumatic
events. Moreover, the pivotal role of familial and
social networks in supporting service members
with anxiety disorders and depression cannot be
overstated. The provision of understanding,
support, and open communication within these
relationships significantly facilitates the recovery
process (Xu et al., 2023). In parallel, recent
investigations underscore the positive impact of
regular physical activity and a well-balanced diet
in mitigating anxiety and stress among military
personnel (Walsh & Rosenblum, 2020). Physical
health interventions complement psychological
treatments, offering a holistic approach to
addressing mental health challenges.
Additionally, the implementation of group
therapy or support groups tailored for veterans
and military personnel presents a valuable
avenue for shared experiences and communal
support from individuals who have undergone
similar challenges. Such group dynamics
contribute to a sense of camaraderie and
understanding, fostering a supportive
environment conducive to the therapeutic
process. In the broader context, anxiety disorders
and depression within the military are amenable
to intervention, and numerous service members
experience significant recovery and restoration
of their quality of life through appropriately
tailored treatments and support mechanisms. The
proactive step of seeking professional assistance
is integral to this rehabilitative process,
underlining the importance of accessing
specialized care and expert guidance in the
journey toward recovery.
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Reintegration of military personnel into
civilian life: challenges and opportunities
The success of the reintegration of former
combatants, including men, women, and persons
with disabilities, depends on various contextual
factors. These factors include the length of time
spent in the combat zone, the degree of
displacement it has caused, and the extent to
which normalcy has been restored for other
members of the community. Generally, to
facilitate a smooth transition, ex-combatants
need support in adapting to post-conflict life,
enabling them to participate in the competitive
labor market alongside civilians. One of the main
and urgent problems that modern veterans face
after completing their military service is
professional self-realization (Semenets-Orlova,
2017). Improving their qualifications, acquiring
new skills, or even starting their own business
become an important part of their reintegration
into civilian life. According to recent studies,
more than 40% of veterans change jobs after
completing their service, even if they have the
opportunity to keep their previous job for a
certain transition period (Semenets-Orlova et al.,
2021).
Veterans often face employers' reluctance to hire
them because of their veteran status and the
additional state guarantees associated with it,
such as leave and job security (which are usually
the responsibility of employers) (Skakun, 2022).
In addition, professional adaptation proves to be
one of the essential factors for a successful
transition to civilian life. In particular, in many
countries, such as the United States, Croatia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Netherlands,
the state provides benefits and services for
veterans in the field of employment, such as
professional adaptation, education, and support
for starting their own business (McKee &
Murphy, 2022). These services include
guarantees in the areas of education,
employment, job security, and retraining. In the
context of Ukrainian realities, these elements
require more detailed consideration. In
particular, Ukrainian legislation provides for
state guarantees and preferential conditions for
admission to educational institutions,
preferential loans for education, scholarship
programs, and additional educational services in
the public space. Through this process, the labor
retraining of military service veterans is realized,
which ensures their active integration into
Ukrainian society. The reliability of such
mechanisms is backed by the experience of
European countries, as well as the United States
and Israel, states that have a significant number
of military veterans in their structure (Kelly,
2022).
Reintegration into normal active life is also
facilitated by a well-established system of
physical and mental health care (Vondrušková,
2013). For war veterans who have fulfilled their
duty to Ukraine and its people, putting their
health and lives at risk, medical care is becoming
one of the most pressing issues (Hrynzovskyi et
al., 2022). The Law of Ukraine “On the Status of
War Veterans and Guarantees of Their Social
Protection,” as well as some other regulations
aimed at these categories of people, provide a
number of healthcare guarantees designed to
ensure an adequate level of medical care and
rehabilitation for military personnel. This
includes free medicines and medical products,
regular medical examinations, dispensary
services, and dental prosthetics, which are an
important part of the medical approach to the
rehabilitation and resocialization of veterans. It is
also worth paying attention to the problem of
sanatorium and resort treatment, which is an
important factor in restoring and maintaining the
proper health of servicemen and women, and
veterans. At the same time, the quality of the
services provided and the limited opportunities
for them to receive sanatorium treatment pose a
difficult problem. In particular, under the current
conditions of the Ukrainian healthcare system
and lack of funding, it is almost impossible to
expand the range of services.
An important area of regulation of the rights of
veterans in society is to provide them with the
necessary legal assistance (Shynkarova, 2022).
These benefits are designed to ensure that
servicemen and women can use their legal
options after the war. War veterans often face the
need for legal assistance, especially in matters
related to their veteran status, so the right to free
legal aid is very important. However, due to the
lack of awareness among veterans, limited
funding, and overloaded legal aid centers, this
benefit is not always fully exercised. According
to the European and American experience
(Skrypkin, 2020), in order to ensure this benefit
more effectively, it is necessary to increase
funding for this area, direct efforts to expand the
network of free legal aid centres, increase the
number of qualified specialists and improve their
professional skills through specialized training
and courses.
At the same time, there are tangible difficulties
that will arise on the way to reintegrating
veterans into Ukrainian society. In particular,
vocational training and retraining of veterans
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contribute to their successful reintegration into a
peaceful society. However, in order to achieve
maximum effectiveness, it is important to
strengthen educational and informational
initiatives, including educational opportunities,
advanced training, workshops, career
counseling, and similar activities. Under current
circumstances, the functioning of the healthcare
system raises many questions (Skrypkin, 2020).
In this regard, it is now necessary to immediately
create an expanded set of medical services and
establish effective mechanisms to monitor the
timely funding of medical institutions that
provide such care.
The benefits provided for combatants and
persons with war-related disabilities under the
Law of Ukraine “On the Status of War Veterans
and Guarantees of Their Social Protection” do
not include the right to psychological support,
assistance, or rehabilitation. Psychological
support is also necessary for family members of
the deceased, other veterans, or discharged
servicemen who face psychological problems, as
well as for their family members. Since the field
of psychological assistance is particularly
sensitive, psychological services should be
provided in accordance with established
standards, and professionals who provide them
should be trained to work with veterans and
provide the most effective assistance (Stadnik et
al., 2023). As we can see, in the Ukrainian reality,
psychological assistance is not seen as a
mandatory element of social reintegration and
support. This misconception will need to be
corrected in the future.
Effective psychological support can take many
forms, including individual counseling,
facilitating discussions on coping with crises and
emergencies with veterans, and involving other
military personnel in the process. At the family
level, attention is focused on promoting positive
interaction and maintaining healthy marital
relationships with family members (Fossey et al.,
2019). To this end, psychologists explain the
challenges and emotions experienced by
veterans, as well as how they are perceived by
their families. This also includes developing
behavioral guidelines for different life situations,
formulating effective coping mechanisms and
strategies for interacting with family members.
It is important to note that experience with
Ukrainian military personnel has shown that
positive results can be achieved through joint
family activities. These activities can include
leisure activities such as visiting museums,
exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and nature walks.
In addition, trainings, art therapy (in particular,
sand animation, drawing, modeling), relaxation
techniques, and active recreation with elements
of play have shown their benefits. It is also
important to take into account specific
characteristics and various factors that affect the
psychological well-being of combat veterans,
such as family values and how family members
respond to new challenges (Subedi, 2018). In
addition, family values, traditions, and
preconceived notions should be taken into
account.
These prospects and difficulties are generally the
same as in other countries (Tymochko, 2022). In
particular, researchers highlight problems with
employment, as some combatants may have
difficulty finding a job or keeping a job due to
physical limitations or lack of relevant work
experience. Housing is also problematic, which,
along with other social difficulties, can lead to
social isolation and even homelessness.
Researchers also note the risk of suicide caused
by both insufficient psychological support and
society's unwillingness to support combatants
(Truusa & Andrew Castro, 2019). An urgent
challenge in the United States is bureaucratic
difficulties associated with complex procedures
and bureaucratic obstacles in obtaining benefits
and support (Andrew Castro & Dursun, 2019).
This problem is also relevant for Ukraine, as
there are no effective mechanisms to monitor and
evaluate programs and services for combat
veterans to ensure their quality and relevance to
the needs of veterans. In such circumstances, it is
important to have public pressure that would help
actualize these difficulties at the state level.
Conclusions
Hence, the matter of reintegrating servicemen
post-participation in hostilities and their
subsequent return to civilian life assumes
paramount significance within the context of
Russian-Ukrainian war. Research has
substantiated that a consequential outcome of
engaging in warfare is the manifestation of
heightened psychological stress, comprising
communicative, emotional, and informational
stress components. Psychological stress,
construed as a reaction to an individual's
interaction with the adversarial environment, is
intricately shaped by cognitive processes,
thought expression, and situational evaluations.
An additional deleterious consequence is the
emergence of post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), representing the predominant category
of mental health disorders observed among war
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veterans. Characterized by symptoms that exert a
profound impact on both physical and mental
well-being, PTSD entails recurrent
manifestations of traumatic memories, a
pervasive sense of detachment, heightened
agitation, and deliberate avoidance of specific
social processes.
Mitigating the psychological repercussions of
war involves the application of multifaceted
strategies, encompassing cognitive-behavioral
therapy, familial and social support networks,
adept communication, regular physical activity,
and adherence to a balanced diet. Furthermore, a
pivotal facet of rehabilitation pertains to the
integration of servicemen into broader societal
frameworks. This necessitates the provision of
conducive conditions for retraining, labor
assurances, state backing, preferential admission
and educational provisions, scholarships,
supplementary educational services in the public
domain, and legal support. Ensuring
comprehensive healthcare, resort facilities, and
the provision of essential services also assume
significance.
Concurrently, addressing challenges, notably
those associated with bureaucratic
transformations in the state apparatus and the
establishment of robust psychological support
mechanisms, constitutes pertinent avenues for
subsequent research endeavours.
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