Elena Zelenskaya in the west "How do you? Stories of Sustainability ”: Adolescents and young people are most vulnerable to the influence of war

The first lady of Ukraine Elena Zelenska took part in the event "How do you? Sustainability stories. " The event dedicated to World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated annually on October 10, took place within the framework of the All -Ukrainian Mental Health Program "Do you?" The platform of the event opened the exhibition of Christina Khranovskaya "Diaries of War: Unreasonable Voices of Ukrainian Children" with the personal stories of young Ukrainians who witnessed the war.

It presents records, drawings and things of fourteen Ukrainian children and adolescents. The exhibition will last in Kiev until October 25. Also during the event, personal stories of children about the survivors during the Russian invasion were performed. In particular, the history of 17-year-old Sophia, who lost her dad in Mariupol, a 17-year-old log, which during the war fights with the consequences of illness, a 15-year-old Violetta, who experienced an occupation in Nova Kakhovka.

“I am grateful to the young people whose stories we have heard for their sincerity and courage. It is not easy to tell this, because it means to live pain. Not every adult will consider this. But our characters not only have deeply analyzed their traumatic experience - they found a way out. It consists in self -development and assistance to others, ”said Elena Zelenska.

The first lady appealed to all parents and the older generation not to ignore the challenges in the field of mental health, who face young people and teenagers. “Treat your teenagers seriously and do not squeeze: they say, or it is childhood experiences. For what would worry them - whether personal or war - it is important! And it is not easy for them: teenagers, young people are most vulnerable to the influence of war and other trials for the psyche.

It is not only Ukrainian - it is a world trend. We learned about it when a mental health survey was conducted in 11 countries before the third summit of the first ladies and gentlemen. It turned out that the popular stereotype that "youth is allegedly perceives it is easier" is not true. Young people aged 13-18, on the contrary, have the lowest mental health. More than half of them feel stress and depression, ”the first lady said.