War has changed the childhood of millions of Ukrainian children—making it more anxious and far too adult. Sirens instead of school bells, separation instead of stability, uncertainty instead of plans for the future affect the psyche of children and adolescents every day. To understand how to recognize warning signs, which methods of psychological support actually work today, and why the role of the community is becoming no less important than individual therapy, we speak with Anastasiia Zabolotna—a Master of Psychology, medical psychologist, and expert in mental health recovery programs for children in Ukraine and abroad.
How has the war affected the mental health of children and adolescents in Ukraine, and which support methods are proving to be the most effective right now?
The war has created conditions of chronic stress for children and adolescents: danger, loss, separation from loved ones, disruption of education and routine. This increases the risks of anxiety, depressive and post-traumatic manifestations, sleep disturbances, and behavioral difficulties. The most effective approach is a stepped one: psychoeducation and stabilization, family and school support, group formats, and, if necessary, trauma-focused evidence-based interventions (including CBT approaches) according to indications.
Your experience in the NGO “Atlant” and social initiatives shows the importance of supporting communities. How can a psychologist help not only an individual but also an entire community?
My experience in the NGO “Atlant” and cooperation with the Center for Social Services shows that a psychologist works not only with an individual but with the ecosystem of the community. This includes psychoeducation, support groups for families of military personnel, IDPs, and teenagers, training specialists in basic crisis support skills, and creating safe spaces for interaction. This approach reduces isolation, strengthens social ties, and increases the resilience of the community as a whole.
I recommend three pillars: emotional contact, structure, and self-regulation skills. It is important to name and accept a child’s emotions without discounting them, maintain a predictable daily routine, sleep, and learning schedule, and teach simple calming techniques (breathing, grounding, bodily exercises). The stable, available presence of an adult is a key protective factor.
You combine art therapy, cognitive-behavioral, and sensory practices. How do you choose a method for a specific client, and what does this approach offer compared to traditional therapy?
I choose the method based on the request, age, developmental level, and safety context. Sensory and bodily practices help to quickly reduce arousal, art therapy allows for the safe expression of experiences, and cognitive-behavioral approaches ensure lasting changes. Integration provides more accurate, high-quality, and effective assistance.
What practical advice do you give adults to maintain emotional stability?
Basic steps: sleep as a priority, daily recovery through movement and breathing, limiting news intake, clear boundaries of responsibility, and seeking professional help in a timely manner.
How do your projects within the “Children’s Health of Ukraine” program help integrate international practices into the work of Ukrainian psychologists and improve the recovery of children abroad?
The project is aimed at supporting Ukrainian children living in Ukraine who have experienced the loss of their parents due to the war—death, disappearance, or captivity. Field programs abroad are of a therapeutic and restorative nature, creating a safe environment for stabilization, resource recovery, and building trust. The work is based on a trauma-informed approach without forcing the re-living of the trauma.
What key changes in the field of psychology and psychotherapy do you think are needed in Ukraine in the coming years to support children, families, and communities after the war?
Ukraine needs large-scale school and community programs, unified ethical and professional standards, multidisciplinary teams, and systemic support for the specialists themselves. The focus should be not only on symptoms but on restoring connections within families and communities.
Photo from the archive of Anastasiia Zabolotna