4/6/2022–|Last update: 4/6/202208:19 PM (Mecca)
Researchers at Uniformed Services in Maryland and Musashino University in Japan recently published a paper examining some of the mental health issues that can arise in the event of a nuclear accident in Ukraine.
The research, published in the Wiley Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, outlines some of the actions governments and health care systems can take to prepare for the mental health consequences of such an event.
The Ukrainians are theoretically the hardest hit by the Russian offensive, but the ongoing conflict also affects both neighboring countries and outlying countries that have economic ties with Ukraine.
The Russian attack on Ukraine on February 25 had dire humanitarian consequences, forcing many Ukrainians to leave their homes and lose their loved ones, in addition to the trauma caused by the war.
Paper highlights the need to prepare for the mental #health issues that would follow a nuclear event in #Ukraine https://t.co/CqYUD6ZLe1 https://t.co/z1J5fCh0z0
— Medical Xpress (@medical_xpress) May 31, 2022
Although the current conflict has dire consequences for the mental health of Ukrainians, a nuclear war might aggravate the situation unimaginably.
The consequences of any nuclear attack in Ukraine are expected to affect both the Ukrainian health care systems and those in neighboring countries that receive refugees or who may be exposed to the consequences of radioactive materials released.
By comparing various radiological events in the past—including the use of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, as well as accidents at Three Mile Island in 1979, Chernobyl in 1986, and Fukushima in 2011—the researchers identified some of the mental health consequences of these events, The most important ones are:
- emergence of fear.
- Decreased sense of security.
- Insomnia.
- Increased alcohol consumption.
- Internal conflicts between people.
- Blame within communities.
Most affected groups
Previous research suggests that mothers of young children most affected by mental health problems following accidents or radiological events are mothers.
According to the researchers, it is important for both leaders and healthcare workers around the world – particularly in Ukraine and its neighboring countries – to begin preparing for the mental health crisis that follows a radiation disaster.
The research suggests that governments start educating people regarding the health risks associated with radiation exposure, as well as behaviors that can reduce these risks or protect their families, including:
- Disseminate information regarding the evictions that are usually carried out in these cases.
- Measures to reduce exposure to radiation, such as the use of protective equipment and early signs of exposure.
The research focuses on the importance of communicating information to people in a clear language that all citizens can understand, as well as the importance of early interventions aimed at promoting and protecting the mental health of citizens in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
