Promoting the Mental Health of Psychological Service Providers During Wartime
on April 25, 2025
In the context of ongoing war,
addressing the mental health of those who
support others - psychologists, educators,
and humanitarian workers—has become not only
urgent but essential. On April 25, 2025,
professionals from across Ukraine and abroad
came together for the All-Ukrainian
Scientific-Practical Conference with International
Participation: "Promoting the Mental Health of
Psychological Service Providers During Wartime."
One of the key highlights of the conference
was a panel discussion titled “Inclusion in
Research and Collaboration,” as a part of EPERE
project which underscored the importance of
inclusive approaches in psychological support
and education during crises.
🎙️ The discussion was moderated by Dr. Kateryna
Bondar, SCAS fellow and Associate Professor
at the Department of Practical Psychology and
Project Manager at Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical
University. Her guidance helped create a space
for cross-sectoral dialogue on inclusive
education and participatory research.
The session, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Sevgi
Bayram Özdemir from Örebro University (Sweden),
featured powerful contributions from international
experts:
Fionn Crombie Angus and Jonathan Angus
(Fionnathan Productions, Ireland) opened the
session with a presentation on "Participation
in Research," focusing on inclusive practices
and self-advocacy in research involving individuals
with disabilities.
Maria Sjölin (Herrljunga Municipality) and Alexandra
Jonasson (Lerum Municipality), both Special Education
Needs (SEN) teachers from Sweden, followed with their
talk on "Key Success Factors in Collaborating on the
Education of Students with Intellectual Disabilities."
Their real-world insights highlighted the role of
empathy, partnership, and localized adaptation in
educational systems.
The session fostered valuable discussions about
shared responsibilities in mental health support,
the risks of burnout and compassion fatigue, and the
necessity of valuing the wellbeing of those who serve
others.
This event was not just an academic exchange -
it was a reaffirmation of the human commitment to
care, dignity, and resilience, even in the face
of ongoing adversity. It demonstrated that inclusive,
cross-border collaboration is not only possible - it
is vital.
As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of
war, events like this one help build a future
where psychological services are sustainable,
equitable, and rooted in solidarity.
