The Ukrainian Refugee Crisis - We Have Much to Give

It’s difficult to imagine the stress, loss and fear affecting the nearly 4 million Ukrainian refugees who have fled Ukraine thus far. These men, women and children have endured unimaginable strain. Even if the war ended tomorrow, it would take months – possibly years – for those affected to heal from the devastation and trauma.

And, of course, for the 36 million Ukrainians who have remained – some surviving in communities that have been obliterated by constant shelling – there are no words to adequately convey the overwhelming stress and emotional pain they are suffering.

While the vast majority of refugees will remain in Europe, President Biden announced that 100,000 will be coming to the U.S. We don’t yet have details on where these individuals and families will be placed – and perhaps more will follow – but we know their needs will be significant.

When we think about what’s needed to help the refugees coming to America, most of us think about the basic necessities including food, shelter and clothing. And we know that physical health care and employment opportunities are important as well. We may not, however, think about the importance of caring for their emotional health – but we need to. Every refugee has been seriously affected emotionally by this crisis. Every refugee will continue to be affected by the ongoing conflict – as well as by their unique individual and family circumstances.

Most of the Ukrainian refugees have lost their homes and their livelihoods. Many will have lost loved ones – or lost contact with those left behind. The vast majority will be wondering how they will rebuild their lives. And perhaps most heart breaking of all, many who have fled are women alone with their children. These moms are doing what moms do when they face a crisis, they try desperately to protect their children from the pain, fear and loss that they themselves feel. Can you imagine the emotional energy it takes to maintain that for weeks…or months.

Recent reports indicate that the majority of refugees being seen by medical personnel in Europe are reporting mental health symptoms. This is not surprising – it is completely expected. And for some who are struggling emotionally, their conditions will likely get worse before they get better.

Thankfully – in addition to government support pouring in from nations around the world – there are many organizations stepping up to provide care and support. And more will join the effort.

Some of us are working on technology-based systems of care to support the emotional well being of those who have been displaced. There are not enough mental health care professionals here in the U.S. – or anywhere in the world – to meet the demands we already have. We need innovative solutions and we need them quickly.

?And what can individual Americans do to help those who are watching, waiting and hoping for a future? Donate financially if you can to organizations providing critical care as the need is massive. Donate your time to organizations that need volunteers as they ramp up their response effort – whether they are focused here at home or sending supplies and resources abroad.

And please don’t forget the mental health and emotional well being needs of those who are seeking refuge. If you are fortunate enough to work directly with these families, here are some things to keep in mind.

People who experience trauma react in many different ways. Some may appear distressed, anxious or sad while others appear numb or detached. Others may be employing coping mechanisms that work so they are functioning well – but they are still hurting. Accept each individual where they are emotionally and know that their reactions, feelings and needs will most certainly change over time.

Listen… to their feelings if they want to share, to their stories if they want to tell them or just sit with them in silence if they don’t want to do either.

Ask how you can be of help and give them options if they aren’t sure what they need. Maybe childcare so they can have some time to grieve, or help connecting with other refugees.

And then, listen again.

While we may not have the power to stop the atrocities in Ukraine, we can each do our part to provide care, support or respite to those who were forced to flee. I hope we welcome more Ukrainian refugees to America. We have a big nation and Americans have big hearts – we have much to give. ?