CommunicationPublished on 17 May 2024

Mental Health: A Neglected Component of Peace

Bern — Despite the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War, the issue of mental health continues to be largely neglected in most contexts. Yet, it is undisputed that addressing the psychological and social needs of communities is essential for sustainable peace. The SDC supports health sector reforms and locally-led mental health initiatives in different conflict and post-conflict contexts. Its engagement in Ukraine particularly demonstrates the potential of this approach.

Psychologists of the Swiss-Ukrainians projects are supporting displaced people in collective centres across Ukraine. — © SDC/Alisa Kyrpychova

For me personally, the concepts of mental health and peace are inseparable. It is about a peaceful environment that allows for adaptation, that supports internally displaced people affected by the war, veterans who return from the battlefield in a changed state, about supporting their family members who are going through these difficult times.

Tetiana Bohuslavska, Psychologist of the Act for Health project

We will need to rebuild not only the infrastructure and the cities in Ukraine, but also our inner mental health and connections between people.

Orest Suvalo, Psychiatrist and Project Manager of the Mental Health for Ukraine project