Millions of people fled after the outbreak of a full-fledged war in Ukraine. Some went abroad, while others chose to live in another part of the country. Not all these people could survive the stressful period and adjust to new realities. Refugee syndrome is a severe emotional condition characterized by regret over abandoning family and homeland during tough times. When other immigrants surround people, the syndrome worsens. Today, the charity foundation Direct Inclusion will describe such a condition in detail and advise on overcoming it.

Typical symptoms

Those forced to relocate due to war may experience the following thoughts and feelings, known as refugee syndrome:

• a persistent desire to injure oneself;
• a sense of isolation and guilt;
• increased irritability and aggression;
• a feeling of helplessness;
• emotions ranging from gratitude for those who help with adaptation to rage at them for being okay;
• absence of interest;
• loss of capacity for joy or happiness (anhedonia);
• a sense of futility or loneliness;
• uncertainty about the future;
• a feeling of being homeless.

Due to a strong sense of guilt, many Ukrainians consider returning home. The situation may deteriorate if someone close to you criticizes your decision to relocate somewhere safer. The charitable organization “Direct Inclusion” would like to remind everyone that everyone is only responsible for their actions, so leave if you need to.

What can you do to get through this condition?

Here are some suggestions for those who find it difficult to accept the situation and refuse to move on:

• Consider how ineffective you would be to the Motherland if you were under shelling. It would be preferable to begin volunteering in a more secure location.
• Recognize that you have the right to feel anything in this situation. Feel free to express your feelings without blaming yourself. It takes time to adapt.
• Plan where you will live, who you will live with, where you will get your food, and what jobs you will seek. Life continues, even if you have stopped and are still trapped in the past. One day, you will not be able to recall these months and years of inactivity you could have used to help your country.
• Return to your pre-war routine of drinking coffee without sugar, eating a beautiful breakfast, watching your favorite TV shows, and buying books every Wednesday. It will eventually be safe at home again, but whether you will be ready to return is an open question. Take care of yourself, buy whatever trinkets you want, and feel free to mingle with the locals. Accept help, but safely refuse it if there are some reasons.
• Find someone who might require your assistance. Thousands of Ukrainians are going through the same feelings that you are. Tell them where to get the best groceries, how to get help, and what to see when visiting a new place.

Remember that your safety is your top priority, and it is not your fault that you had to relocate. Accepting and adjusting your life plan is worthwhile when you cannot change the circumstances.