Being captured, Ukrainian military personnel loses control over their lives, and are subjected to torture, psychological pressure, sexual violence, and even execution. The occupiers do not observe any international conventions and disregard moral principles. Therefore, returning home, our heroes often lack confidence in humanity and are frightened, demoralized, and physically sick. It is necessary to restore communication with them carefully and gradually. How exactly - tells the charitable foundation "Pryame Vklyuchennya".

Start of communication

First of all, it is worth limiting conversations about the future. Psychologists say that a person who has just returned to a familiar and safe environment needs some time to adapt to it. After he calms down, gets used to the information outside, and begins to talk about life and plans, you can finally maintain a conversation.

Remember that a smile on the face and an uplifted mood of a person do not mean the absence of anxiety. Therefore, another great solution would be to take the victim to a psychologist.

Do not ask inappropriate questions

"Were you beaten in captivity?", "What were you thinking about when you were in complete isolation?", "Do you consider yourself a hero?" - a list of vexatious and annoying questions that in no way could be addressed to a person who has been under the sights of enemy machine guns for a long time, without normal nutrition, communication with relatives, and understanding of what is happening in his Motherland.

If you want to support the defender, tell them supportive phrases: "I'm proud of you", "The greatest value for me is your return", and "Impressive story!". Also, experts advise not to insist on a psychologist visit, but to turn such a conversation into an offer: "I want to help you and I know how to do it."

Don't be heroic

In captivity, Ukrainians are mocked and called traitors, Nazis, and terrorists. They are humiliated and forced to think that no one needs them in their native land. That is why, returning home and hearing the phrase: "You are a real hero!" every day, a person feels an internal dissonance and does not understand whether this opinion is relevant.

Give soldiers time to rest and get away from the influence of Russian propaganda. Over time, they will gain an awareness of reality, see the real attitude of society and the state to those who were forced to surrender to enemy captivity, and will be able to perceive similar phrases.

Respond appropriately to what you hear

Some of the things former POWs can tell you are shocking. Do not hyperbolize emotions, do not interrupt, and do not ask unnecessary questions. Remember that any torture is a terrible crime and there are no "less interesting stories". Underestimating a traumatic experience is the worst thing you can do.

How to help properly?

A family in which someone has just returned from captivity tries to do everything to ensure that this person does not do any household chores. In this way, you do not help a person, but on the contrary, you deprive him of the chances of a quick adaptation to his "former" life. Give the hero more space to make his own decisions.

Finally, remember the golden rule: it's better to do nothing than to overdo it. If there are problems with communication, consult a psychologist.