Decompression of the National Guards in Ivano-Frankivsk Region: How Psychologists Work with Warriors
In Ivano-Frankivsk region, before returning to their families, the fighters of the National Guard of Ukraine undergo a three-day rehabilitation. This applies to the military returning from advanced positions in the Luhansk region. During rehabilitation, psychologists work with them, who have an individual approach to each warrior.
“It's very quiet here. The guys have the opportunity to communicate with religious representatives. In the Frankivsk region there is a picturesque nature, that is, you can go out, see, breathe fresh air. There is not a large crowd of people. They need this peace, because they were in areas where it is constantly very loud,” says military psychologist of the National Guard of Ukraine Anastasia Andrushchenko.
Psychologists conduct various exercises and trainings with the military, including the use of metaphorical associative maps. They also organize tours and entertainment activities, which helps the fighters to reboot and relax.
This kind of short-term rehabilitation, known as decompression, helps them adapt to civilian life and get rid of the tension caused by military action. Conditions are favorable for relieving psychological stress, in particular for those who have had combat experience and worked in noisy and dangerous conditions.
“We are very glad to be back. Thank God that in my unit everyone is whole, alive and well. Unfortunately, not in all units this is the case. There were casualties and injuries. I'm slowly getting used to it because there was a feeling of being very quiet and having something to start. Now there is no such thing,” says guard Dmytro Starchenko.
According to psychologist Anastasia Andrushchenko, decompression measures for the soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine who returned from the front are carried out throughout Ukraine.
National Guard of Ukraine
