Resources for clinicians helping protect and support those impacted by Ukraine crisis
Ukraine A Guided Activity Workbook for Children, Families and Teachers to help displaced Ukrainian refugees. This workbook may be used in recovery from the impact of displacement and danger. It helps both the parents as well as the child integrate what they have been through. This workbook can be downloaded and shared and is available in: English, French, Polish .
Some important tips for clinicians to help protect the mental health of refugees, immigrants, and those displaced during crisis situations include:
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Ensure their safety, both physical and that of the treasured belongings they may have brought (e.g., locked trunks, etc.).
- Connect them to loved ones when possible.
- Use calming techniques that are nuanced to their culture.
- Be alert to usual illnesses present in their population - from diabetes to hypertension to schizophrenia.
- Remain aware and sensitive to trauma history.
- Be aware that children need the presence of caregivers and clear responses to their questions, but not to be overloaded with frightening information.
- Helping people with problem-solving is caring and supportive.
- Recruit "helpers" to assist others and have them extend your care.
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress at the Uniformed Services University also offers resources for psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals, humanitarian responders, and community leaders helping support those impacted.
Stress in children
Families and communities
First responders
Leadership
Crisis intervention
Crisis Telephone & Virtual Helplines
Multimedia Resources on themes of war, refugees, displaced people
Bibliography