Resources for clinicians helping protect and support those impacted by Ukraine crisis

Some important tips for clinicians to help protect the mental health of refugees, immigrants, and those displaced during crisis situations include:

• 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

• Managing the Stress of Children after a Crisis
• Post Disaster Stress Management for Parents

Families and communities

• Advancing the Health of the Family Left Behind
• Helping Communities and Families Recover after a Disaster
  

First responders

• Information for Responders on Emotional Reactions to Human Remains

Leadership

• Leadership Communication for Anticipating and Responding to Stressful Events
• Leadership Stress Management

Crisis intervention

• Crisis Intervention After Major Disasters  by Daniel S. Benveniste Ph.D

Crisis Telephone & Virtual Helplines

• Managing Crisis Telephone & Virtual Helplines by Carine Minne