In mobile clinics, MSF psychologists play a crucial role in educating patients about the significance of mental health and its impact on their overall wellbeing. They provide guidance on enhancing sleep quality, managing anxiety and tension, and offer psycho-educational sessions to communities on stress management. By providing basic techniques and support for mental health, patients can stabilize their emotional state and prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders.
Some cases may require more intensive and long-term intervention. For instance, after a missile attack on a café in the village of Hroza in Kharkiv, MSF psychologists offered psychological support to survivors who had lost loved ones. Victoria Lepekha, a mental health supervisor with MSF, highlighted the importance of providing support to people experiencing acute grief by listening to them, offering sympathy, and being a comforting presence during their time of need.
The psychological care provided by MSF psychologists can have long-lasting effects on patients’ lives. In addition to helping them cope with immediate trauma or loss, they also help them develop skills for managing stress and improving their overall well-being. This type of care is especially important in communities that may not have access to professional psychological services.
Overall, MSF’s work in providing psychological support is essential in addressing the physical and mental health needs of those affected by conflict or disaster. By providing basic techniques and support for mental health, they help people stabilize their emotional state and prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders. Their work has a lasting impact on individuals’ lives and helps build stronger communities that are better equipped to deal with challenges in the future.