Zelenska Advocates Youth Mental Health

During a recent visit to Ireland, Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, engaged in pivotal discussions with representatives from JIGSAW, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health. This meeting highlighted the critical mental health issues facing Ukrainian youth amidst ongoing conflict.

Zelenska shared troubling statistics from UNICEF, revealing that over 61% of Ukrainian parents observe signs of stress and sleep disturbances in their children. She also noted findings from the Olena Zelenska Foundation, which indicate that only 30% of Ukrainian teenagers have clear career aspirations, a symptom of the broader psychosocial impacts of the war. “Ukrainian children are mentally exhausted and stressed due to the war unleashed by Russia,” Zelenska stated, underscoring the need for effective support mechanisms.

In response to these challenges, the First Lady discussed the development of “12–21” mental health spaces in Ukraine. These centers are designed to support adolescents aged 12 to 21, providing them with safe environments for trust, support, and acceptance amidst the harsh realities of war. Zelenska expressed her gratitude towards the Irish partners, emphasizing the value of their experiences in enhancing Ukraine’s approach to youth mental health.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Olena Zelenska Foundation to address and mitigate the psychological toll of conflict on young individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support during these turbulent times.