How Does Displacement During War Affect Mental Health? Insights from Ukraine

What you need to know

• Being forced to leave one’s home during war significantly increases risk of PTSD symptoms
• PTSD risk is similar whether people are displaced within their country or flee abroad
• Women, parents of young children, and those with injured relatives are at higher risk

The Mental Health Impact of Displacement

Imagine having to suddenly leave your home, your community, and everything familiar behind due to war. This devastating experience is unfortunately common during conflicts, and its psychological impact can be profound. When people are forced to flee their homes - whether to another part of their country or across borders - they face not just the trauma of war but also the stress of displacement.

Understanding PTSD Risk

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. The study found that about 31% of participants showed elevated risk for PTSD. This is particularly significant because it shows how widespread psychological trauma can be during active conflicts.

Key Findings About Displacement

One of the most striking findings was that people forced to leave their homes showed higher levels of PTSD symptoms compared to those who remained in place. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in PTSD symptoms between those displaced within their country versus those who fled abroad. This suggests that the act of displacement itself, regardless of destination, can be highly traumatic.

Risk Factors and Vulnerable Groups

The research identified several groups at higher risk for developing PTSD symptoms:

• Women showed significantly higher levels of distress
• Parents with children under 16 were more vulnerable
• People who had relatives wounded in the conflict showed increased symptoms

What This Means for You

If you or someone you know has been displaced by conflict, it’s important to:

• Recognize that psychological distress is a normal response to abnormal circumstances
• Seek professional help if PTSD symptoms persist
• Pay special attention to vulnerable family members, particularly children
• Connect with support services and community resources in your new location
• Understand that both internal displacement and international refuge-seeking can be equally challenging mentally

Conclusions

• Displacement during war significantly impacts mental health, regardless of whether people remain within their country or flee abroad
• Healthcare providers and policymakers need to ensure mental health support is available to all displaced people
• Early intervention and support may help prevent long-term psychological consequences