MENTAL HEALTH OF VOLUNTEERS DURING WARTIME: COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT USING A STANDARDIZED EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PROGRAM FOR THE PREVENTION AND CORRECTION OF NEUROTIC AND STRESS-RELATED MENTAL DISORDERS

Abstract

The article addresses pressing issues related to the mental health of individuals on the front lines of response during the russian- Ukrainian war. These individuals are directly involved in providing aid in shelling zones, interacting with affected populations, and coordinating humanitarian operations. Their activities are characterized by a high risk of primary and secondary traumatization due to constant contact with people who have experienced loss, destruction, and grief. This group also includes volunteers actively engaged in providing psychosocial and humanitarian assistance. Volunteer initiatives have played a crucial role in mitigating the socio-economic challenges Ukraine faced during the initial stages of the war. However, as the workload of volunteers increases, there is a notable rise in stress levels and emotional exhaustion, adversely affecting their productivity and efficiency. This underscores the need to study factors contributing to the development of mental disorders among volunteers and to determine the prevalence of these conditions. Notably, it is essential to create an effective program for psychosocial support, prevention, and management of neurotic and stress-related mental disorders, tailored for implementation at the outpatient level. The aim. To examine the prevalence and analyze the factors contributing to the development of neurotic and stress-related disorders among individuals engaged in volunteer activities during the war. The study results will serve as the basis for developing a comprehensive personalized program for psychosocial support, prevention, and management at the outpatient level in mental health centers. The goal is to reduce psycho-emotional stress and improve the quality of life for volunteers. Methodology. A standardized assessment questionnaire was developed for the study, including socio-demographic data, a social problems survey, and psychopathological test methods. The research was conducted in two stages and included both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the mental health of volunteers has been studied in the context of the russian-Ukrainian war, as this group is at high risk of exposure to psychotraumatic factors. The results of the study formed the basis for the implementation of a comprehensive program for psychosocial support, prevention, and management of neurotic and stress-related disorders among volunteers. Conclusions. The findings indicate an increased vulnerability of volunteers to stress-related mental disorders, driven by the nature of their work and the constant impact of stress factors. This aligns with previous research, which highlights significant levels of stress and a high risk of emotional burnout among humanitarian workers in crisis situations. A critical issue is the lack of psychological support for volunteers, which complicates their adaptation process and increases the risk of developing neurotic and stress-related disorders.