The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a survey for Ukrainians under the slogan "Your feelings matter too". Find out why research on psychological well-being is extremely important and how to participate in the initiative online and offline

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Specialists of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are processing appeals from Ukrainians affected by the russian invasion on a daily basis. Thus, in early July 2023, a new initiative was launched to draw the attention of Ukrainians to taking care of themselves and their mental health - "Your Feelings Are Important Too". The project's ambassador is Nata Zhyzhchenko, the lead singer of the ONUKA band. 

"Sometimes we ignore our emotions, believing that they are not important because someone's situation is worse than ours. However, every emotion you feel deserves attention," the project's main page says.

IOM calls on Ukrainians to participate in the anonymous survey, and after analyzing the current situation and experiences of Ukrainians, it promises to provide recommendations to help citizens overcome their own anxieties.

Why is monitoring the psychological state extremely important during the war?

According to WHO experts, depression, anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress syndrome are mental disorders that threaten Ukrainians as a result of the war. However, timely monitoring of the current psychological state and self-help can not only correct a person's sense of self "here and now" but also prevent the development of more serious disorders or diseases. And, unfortunately, absolutely all Ukrainians today are in the so-called "risk group". That is why everyone should take due care and responsibility not only for their physical but also for their psychological health.

Read more about what "self-care" means and how to implement this useful habit in your own life here.

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How to take the IOM survey: offline and online format

Ukrainian IDP centers and local coffee shops have joined IOM's charity initiative. Thus, Ukrainians can take part in an anonymous offline survey in six cities of Ukraine: Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Poltava and Ternopil.

Special branded boxes have been placed in the respective institutions where anyone can leave a note with their feelings, experiences or concerns. IOM emphasizes that Ukrainians can share any physical feelings and emotions: from homesickness and fear for the future to anxiety and poor sleep.

In addition, Ukrainians can use a special form on the IOM website landing page and leave a message online. The organization does not collect any personal data, so the project is completely anonymous.

How can I get psychological support from IOM?

Ukrainians can seek psychological assistance through IOM's free and anonymous hotline from 10:00 to 20:00. Specialists provide consultations in Ukrainian, russian, English, Arabic and Arabic.

The numbers of the IOM free psychological support hotline are as follows:

— Ukraine: +380 800 211 444

— Czech Republic: +420 800 050 770

— Poland: +48 800 088 091, +48 22 104 32 38

— United Kingdom: +44 808 164 8668

— Lithuania: +370 800 00 474

— Slovakia: +421 800 601 078

— Hungary: +360 680 984 544 (Monday through Saturday) 

Do not neglect your own psychological health and take care not only of your family and friends, but also of yourself! Don't try to ignore or suppress your anxieties, fears, or worries, as this can lead to even more negative consequences. Take care of yourself and seek professional help. Let's build a conscious society together!

We remind you! An international construction camp has started in Chernihiv Oblast, where volunteers from all over the world can join in the restoration of housing destroyed by russia. Find out what is special about this initiative and how to join the project in our previous article.

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