The Influence of Faith on the Mental Health of Ukrainian Forced Migrants During the Russian-Ukrainian War: An Exploratory Study via Social Media.

Abstract

War is a significant, high-intensity stressor that forces millions of people to seek refuge in safer areas, resulting in profound physical and mental health challenges. Following the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians became refugees in Europe. This exploratory study examines the influence of faith on the mental health of Ukrainian forced migrants during the war. The results indicate that two years after the start of the full-scale war, Ukrainian forced migrants suffer from PTSD symptoms, high levels of depression, moderate anxiety, frustration, rigidity, aggressiveness, and loneliness. This exploratory study provides insights into the role of faith in the mental health of forced migrants and underscores the importance of support services for this vulnerable population.