Psychological assistance to the participants of the Special Military Operation (SVO) and their families

Abstract

In modern society, the study of family problems is important, especially in the Year of Family announced in Russia. The paper examines the role of family in the life of servicemen performing military duty in the Special Military Operation (SVO) in Ukraine. The highlights the importance of supporting the military personnel taking part in the SVO and their immediate relatives. Servicemen perform difficult and strenuous professional tasks and must be sure that their family and immediate environment will receive the necessary help and support in a difficult life situation — this is certainly the key to success and to the victory over the enemy. The also describes the main options for the implementation of psychological assistance: individual sis situations, an individual seeks psychological help. Further, family counseling is in demand among both children and adults. Psychologists’ work involves the implementation of practical actions in the modern socio-cultural and geopolitical situation. Circumstances threatening the health and life of military personnel are certainly the cause of negative mental states characterized by the predominance of chronic or acute negative emotional experiences, including irritability, anxiety, fear, guilt, despair, grief, etc. In some cases, military personnel develop post-traumatic stress disorder, which requires special attention from specialists in helping professions. It was found that medical psychologists have appointments in every healthcare organization of Novosibirsk, including the psychiatric hospital, the children’s neuropsychiatric clinic and the hospital for participants and veterans of military operations. Psychological assistance to the veterans of SVO and their relatives is a major task in the new conditions. In Novosibirsk Region, psychological assistance and support is also provided to children whose parents participate in SVO. The Regional Center for Diagnostics and Counseling has compiled a psychological assistance algorithm for SVO participants’ children who attend preschool education institutions, general education schools, vocational schools and universities. The puts forward a recommendation that all military personnel, participants of SVO, their relatives and all those who survived the war should undergo a psychological examination and receive psychological help or therapy.