Mental Health: Global Challenges Journal
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From Distress to Systemic Resilience: Strengthening MHPSS in Conflict Settings – Insights from Ukraine
Get PDFIntroduction: The full-scale war in Ukraine has significantly increased the need for coordinated and accessible mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services. However, there remains limited empirical evidence on how civilians experience psychosocial distress during conflict and how institutions are responding to these needs across different service sectors.
Purpose: This study assesses the psychosocial well-being of civilians and the institutional capacity to deliver MHPSS in conflict-affected such as the Kharkiv region. The research seeks to inform both national and international actors on existing gaps and opportunities for strengthening support systems in wartime contexts.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in July 2023 across Kharkiv oblast. Data were collected from 13,343 service recipients and 3,183 service providers working in the healthcare, education, social protection, and NGO sectors. Quantitative analysis focused on indicators of emotional well-being, coping strategies, service satisfaction, institutional capacity, staff well-being, and information trust.
Results: Findings revealed high levels of psychological distress among civilians, including symptoms of panic, apathy, and hopelessness. Service satisfaction varied by sector, with non-governmental organizations receiving higher ratings. While basic MHPSS services were moderately available, primary and specialized care remained limited. Institutional staff reported significantly increased workloads and limited access to psychological support or supervision. Most respondents trusted official government sources and professionals for mental health information.
Conclusion: The results indicate an urgent need to expand low-threshold, community-based psychosocial services and to improve institutional readiness across sectors. Strengthening workforce well-being, integrating MHPSS into sector-specific practices, and aligning communication strategies with trusted channels are key to building a sustainable response. The proposed conceptual framework offers a multilevel roadmap for MHPSS system development in conflict-affected settings
Experiencing Yourself: Existential Well-Being as a Pathway to Inner Growth
Get PDFIntroduction: Positive mental health has been recognized as a key element of well-being; therefore, mental health professionals increasingly focus on its positive dimensions – optimism, life satisfaction, happiness, self-acceptance, purpose in life and self-efficacy. However, interpretation of mental health and well-being through this lens faces challenges, since humans still cannot solve complex existential problems and overcome painful human experiences as they are a part of human life.
Purpose: This paper aims to explore the concept of existential well-being from the perspective of philosophy and mental health.
Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. We conducted a systematic search in the electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Relevant studies were identified using search terms: well-being, existential well-being, existential positive psychology, mental health, philosophy, existentialism, culture, death anxiety, meaning in life, existential loneliness, social exclusion, existential guilt, identity, happiness. The authors used phenomenological philosophical and hermeneutic approaches, as well as the interpretive research paradigm.
Results: Being a human, it is impossible to avoid existential challenges and to maintain unchanging positive mental and emotional states. Facing and dealing with a borderline situation such as illness, suffering, struggle, guilt or death, people tend to reflect more intensely on existential questions. Within the framework of existential psychodynamics, the basic conflict of an individual is determined by his/her confrontation with the givens of existence: death, freedom, isolation, meaninglessness, identity, pursuit of happiness. Existential conflicts, which are linked to depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, personality disorders, are generated by the individual’s confrontation with any of these givens. Thus, the search for existential well-being has become inevitable, as existential well-being can act as a predictor of quality of life and may be seen an internal coping resource to deal with borderline life situations.
Conclusion: In the modern world, in which the aggravation of existential problems has reached monstrous proportions, and more and more people, terrorized by wars, catastrophes, economic, environmental, social, political, cultural problems, reject traditional ideas and feel cut off from the integral fabric of existence, existential well-being becomes especially important. The concept of existential well-being expands our understanding of overall well-being, enhances our abilities to achieve sustainable well-being by addressing the deepest layers of human nature and providing awareness of the need for existential growth
Trauma of Forced Displacement in Children as a Result of Russian-Ukrainian War
Get PDFIntroduction: In the modern world, forced displacement is considered as one of the most serious threats to mental health, especially for vulnerable groups, and at the same time as a decisive humanitarian problem. Children who are still in the process of identity and psycho-emotional stability formation are an extremely vulnerable category, since their ability to adapt significantly depends on adults and relationships with the environment.
Purpose: To study the impact of traumatic experience associated with forced displacement due to Russian-Ukrainian war, on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and behavioral disorders in children.
Methodology: The study included 40 children, 11±2.3 years old. The control group, representative by age and sex, consisted of 20 children. Using PCL-5, CPS-V-SR, SSS-8, and Vanderbilt Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Parenting Scale (VADPRS), the authors have conducted a quantitative and qualitative study of post-traumatic symptoms.
Results: The results indicated the high prevalence of PTSD, with dominance of intrusive symptoms, hyperactivation, negative cognitive schemes, and somatic complaints. The factor analysis confirmed the binary structure of post-traumatic response: “psychophysiological matrix of uncontrolled trauma” and “pattern of affective depletion. VADPRS scale revealed a persistent tendency to mild distraction as a leading cognitive symptom, as well as less common but structured manifestations of impulsiveness, opposition, anxiety, and affective turbulence. Factor analysis provided an opportunity to define four patterns of psycho-emotional disorganization: socio-cognitive disorientation, impulse dysregulation, antisocial processing of trauma, and affective protest behavior.
Conclusion: The authors emphasize the importance of not only clinical recognition of these patterns, but also the public recognition of the fact of traumatization due to forced displacement, which is often depreciated in public discourse
Exploring Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward Transgender Individuals and Dehumanization of Transgender People: The Role of Psychological Characteristics
Get PDF?introduction: The discrimination and dehumanization faced by transgender people is particularly intense, both at the societal level and in health services.
Purpose: To examine nursing students' attitudes toward transgender individuals and to explore the role of empathy, demographic characteristics, and personality traits in shaping these attitudes. Additionally, to weigh and culturally adapt the Genderism and Transphobia Scale.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of two Universities, in Nursing Departments, with data collection via an anonymous questionnaire that included demographics, the Genderism and Transphobia Scale, the Ten-Item Personality Inventory, the Toronto Empathy Scale, and other tools to assess dehumanization. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inductive statistics, and the significance level was set at 0.05.
Results: The results showed that the absence of empathy is associated with higher levels of prejudice and dehumanization. Mean values ??for the Transphobia/Genderism category were higher for males (75,831, SD = 36,337) compared to females (51,641, SD = 26,560) and for non-binary individuals (32,000, SD = 5,715), with statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). Empathy (TEQ) had a negative correlation with dehumanization (r = -0.415, p < 0.001) and transphobia (r = -0.480, p < 0.001). Openness to Experience was negatively correlated with transphobia (r = -0.337, p < 0.001). Linear regression models showed that empathy (? = -3.045, p < 0.001) and Openness to Experience (? = -4.070, p < 0.001) explain 34% of the variability in Transphobia/Genderism (R² = 34%).
Conclusions: Enhancing empathy and incorporating inclusive education into nursing curricula can help reduce dehumanization and prejudice against transgender peopl
The association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A Care Plan Perspective: Literature review
No full textIntroduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that shares clinical features with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a condition affecting the neurological and immune systems. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between the two conditions, including shared genetics and neuropathology. However, there is a paucity of data and lack of conclusive evidence to draw any definite associations.Purpose: This review aims to gather available evidence to determine whether an association exists between autism and CFS and to report on published findings.Methodology: The search was conducted on databases PUBMED, MEDLINE and Google Scholar. Eligibility criteria included studies examining the association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Exclusion criteria included 1) studies that reported on autism and chronic fatigue syndrome separately 2) studies that evaluated the association of autism with conditions other than CFS and 3) and studies that looked at the association of CFS with conditions other than autism. Non-English language studies were excluded.Results: A total of eight articles were reviewed for the study and the reported findings indicates the complex relationship between autism and co-morbid physical health conditions.Conclusion: This study highlights the need for enhanced awareness among mental health practitioners regarding the complex interplay between autism and co-occurring physical health conditions like CFS presenting in children and young people and appropriate management of physical health symptoms as part of the overall care plan
Toward sustainable well-being in higher education: mental health status, attitudes, social support, and service utilization among college students
Get PDFIntroduction: College students worldwide face increasing mental health challenges. In the Philippines, there is limited understanding of how mental health status, attitudes toward mental health services, and perceived social support influence service utilization in higher education settings.
Purpose: This study examined the mental health status, attitudes toward mental health services, levels of social support, and actual utilization and barriers to service use among college students at a university in Zamboanga City, Philippines. It also explored whether mental health status, attitudes, and social support were associated with service utilization.
Methodology: An institution-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 332 randomly selected students using stratified sampling. Data were collected from July to November 2024 using validated tools: the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Attitudes Toward Mental Health Services Scale (ATMHSS), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and questions on service utilization. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression via SPSS.
Results: A high prevalence of mental health concerns was found: 86% of respondents reported symptoms of depression, 80% anxiety, and 35% stress. However, only 12% accessed campus-based mental health services, and 9% sought external support. While most students expressed moderately positive attitudes toward seeking help and showed low concern for stigma, only 10% reported strong social support. Notably, social support significantly predicted service use, especially in reducing stigma and enhancing help-seeking attitudes. Major barriers to service use included reluctance and uncertainty about where to seek help.
Conclusion: Despite widespread mental health concerns, service utilization remains low. Social support plays a critical role in promoting help-seeking behaviour. Higher education institutions should strengthen support systems, improve mental health awareness, train faculty to respond to student needs, and engage families and communities to build a more supportive mental health environment
Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Distress in Vietnamese University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFIntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of university students. Vietnamese students face unique challenges due to financial instability, academic pressures, and cultural barriers to seeking mental health support.
Purpose: This study aims to assess the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among Vietnamese university students and examine the influence of demographic factors such as financial support and academic year.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2023, involving 508 university students. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS).
Results: Depression and anxiety were prevalent and significantly influenced by financial support (p < 0.05) and academic year (p < 0.05). However, gender differences were not statistically significant. Freshmen and financially independent students reported higher levels of distress.
Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted mental health interventions addressing financial and academic challenges to support student well-bein
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Coordination in Wartime (Ukraine): Lessons from a Humanitarian Perspective: Research Note
No full textIntroduction: The ongoing war in Ukraine has triggered a large-scale humanitarian crisis, significantly affecting the mental health and psychosocial well-being of the population. In this context, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) has become a vital component of humanitarian response, requiring coordinated and integrated systems aligned with global standards, such as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) framework.
Purpose: This research explores how MHPSS coordination mechanisms operate in wartime Ukraine, identifies key actors and systemic barriers, and evaluates the impact of coordinated approaches on access, resilience, and psychosocial well-being.
Approach: The study employs a desk-based narrative synthesis methodology, drawing on peer-reviewed literature, humanitarian reports, and policy documents, including the Ukrainian government’s Concept for the Development of Mental Health Care until 2030. Analytical lenses include the IASC MHPSS intervention pyramid and localization theory. The study also proposes visual tools to analyze coordination structures and service delivery pathways.
Results: The study finds that Ukraine’s MHPSS coordination system demonstrates notable adaptability and well-developed structures. Core activities such as 4W mapping, non-specialist training programs, and policy alignment initiatives have expanded access, particularly to community-based care. However, challenges including stigma, provider burnout, insufficient funding, and limited rural access continue to constrain effectiveness. Innovative strategies like telehealth platforms and mobile clinics reflect adaptive resilience. Overlapping mandates and data fragmentation further complicate service alignment. Nonetheless, coordinated efforts have reached over 1.2 million individuals in 2023, with early evidence suggesting reductions in psychological distress among internally displaced populations. These findings underscore the critical role of context-sensitive, decentralized approaches in building sustainable MHPSS systems in conflict-affected settings.
Conclusions: Ukraine’s MHPSS coordination system demonstrates adaptability and effectiveness in crisis settings, but enduring structural challenges remain. Future priorities should include strengthening local leadership, ensuring long-term financing, and integrating services to ensure sustainable support in crisis contexts
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Female Undergraduate Students: Physical Health Concerns as Influencing Determinants
Get PDFIntroduction: Mental health concerns are on the rise in the Philippines, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Several factors, including sex and physical health concerns, contribute to this rise. However, there has been limited available research on the influence of physical health concerns on mental health concerns, particularly among Filipino female undergraduate students.
Purpose: The study investigated the influencing role of physical health concerns, particularly sleep disturbances, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory infections, in the experience of depression, anxiety, and stress among Filipino female undergraduate students enrolled in a state university. The participants were freshman and sophomore undergraduate students enrolled during the first-ever semester of residential classes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of the investigation can be used in the crafting of a contextualized mental health program.
Methodology: The study employed a quantitative method of research. A total of 976 female undergraduate students (mean age of 18.87, representing 23 programs) from a state university in the Philippines were asked to respond to the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and to the Physical Health Questionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to analyze responses from the research instruments.
Results: Using the responses of the female undergraduate students, descriptive statistics revealed that, as a group, they experienced severe depression, extremely severe anxiety, and moderate stress. Also, it was further revealed through multiple regression analysis that sleep disturbances, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory infections significantly influenced stress, while sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory infections significantly influenced depression and anxiety.
Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of physical wellness in understanding mental health concerns. Therefore, understanding mental health concerns, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress among female undergraduate students, also requires understanding physical health concerns, which is necessary in contextualizing mental health programs
Student Veterans in Ukrainian Higher Education: Reintegration, Psychosocial Support, and International Perspectives
Get PDFIntroduction: The reintegration of military personnel into civilian life and society presents one of the most pressing challenges for Ukraine amidst full-scale war. This article offers an analysis of the needs and problems faced by student veterans in the higher education system, drawing on significant international experience, primarily from the United States, and the results of a comprehensive original empirical study conducted in the Ukrainian context.
Purpose: This study aims to comprehensively analyze the challenges and needs of student veterans within Ukraine's higher education system and to develop practical recommendations for their effective reintegration and support, based on a comparative analysis of international best practices and original empirical data from Ukraine.
Methodology: The research includes a quantitative survey component of student veterans and a qualitative analysis of transcripts from two focus groups with instructors who had varying experiences interacting with this category of students.
Results: Typical challenges identified, such as psychological adaptation difficulties, academic barriers, social isolation, and financial issues, are meticulously compared with international data. Based on the findings and considering the specifics of martial law, practical recommendations have been developed for a comprehensive adaptation of the Ukrainian higher education system. These recommendations encompass the creation of specialized support centers, psychological assistance, academic flexibility, and systemic training for teaching staff.
Conclusions: The study highlights the critical need for tailored support systems, emphasizing the importance of dedicated veteran resource centers, faculty training, flexible academic approaches, and peer support networks. The findings underscore that while international experience provides a valuable framework, its application in Ukraine requires careful adaptation to the unique realities of ongoing conflict and national socio-cultural nuances. This research contributes to developing a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for Ukrainian student veterans, facilitating their successful reintegration and academic achievement