Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska Leads Mental Health Campaign For War Victims: ‘We Need To Help People In Whatever Way Possible’

etcanada.com:

Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska is advocating for the importance of mental health during war. In a new interview with Robin Roberts for “Good Morning America“, the wife of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke candidly on the effects the war launched by Russia has had on her people.

With the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression on the horizon on June 4, she noted how at least 243 children have been killed after Russia invaded Ukraine in February this year. READ MORE: Richard Gere Helps Carnegie Hall Raise Money For Ukraine “Unfortunately, this year we will be marking this event,” Zelenska said, recounting a story of two boys who witnessed the death of their mother. “We need to help people to live that through.

We need to help people psychologically, mentally, in whatever ways possible.” In order to provide support to those suffering from PTSD and trauma endured during the war with Russia, the Ukrainian architect and screenwriter is introducing a national mental health program for victims of war. “The medical institutions and medical system as we have it right now, it might simply be not enough to cover all the needs,” she explained. “That’s why we need to be prepared.” READ MORE: Harry Styles Shows His Support Of Ukraine By Waving Country’s Flag During NYC Show One of the added difficulties will be identifying those who need help from the program who may have difficulty recognizing it. “Even the parents, they might not recognize that their child is having a problem, is having some sort of PTSD,” she added.

The 44-year-old expressed how thankful she was for the “enormous support” her country has received from across the globe. “It’s really important, because you feel you’re not