Psychological assistance and recovery of defenders in the center of the discussion
The Regional Development Agency of Odesa Region became a platform for a meeting of psychologists from the Southern Operational and Territorial Unit of the National Guard of Ukraine dedicated to the issues of recovery, rehabilitation and support for military personnel. The event was held at the Agency in partnership with the National Guard of Ukraine and the Odesa Regional Organization of the National Union of Photographers.
The main focus was on finding effective tools to reduce the level of stress and psychological burden experienced by our defenders on a daily basis. They talked about new recovery practices, art therapy techniques and building resilience of the military in difficult conditions.
A separate focus of the meeting was to discuss the role of photography in the process of psychological rehabilitation. Photography is not only a means of capturing moments, but also a tool for a deeper understanding of one’s own emotions, reducing internal stress and finding inner balance. Photography helps military and civilians to find new resources for recovery, to work with their own experiences through metaphorical thinking and creativity.
The participants – psychologists from different cities of the southern region – discussed methods of working with the military, the possibilities of diagnosing emotional state and maintaining internal stability. In addition to the discussions, there were also practical sessions where specialists had the opportunity to test new approaches and practice psychological support techniques.
The Agency’s Director Sergiy Kononenko provided comprehensive support for the event, creating a space for sharing experiences and implementing innovative solutions. This proves once again that the Agency is systematically working to develop programs aimed at preserving psychological health in the region.
The plans include strengthening psychological rehabilitation programs for the military, including the introduction of decompression practices that have already proven effective in international experience. Such programs allow servicemen to gradually reduce stress levels after combat missions, restore their resources and return to civilian life more harmoniously.
The Agency is convinced that investing in the psychological health of our defenders is an investment in the future of our country.
The Regional Development Agency of Odesa Region receives institutional support from the Swiss-Ukrainian project “Cohesion and Regional Development of Ukraine”, the UCORD Project, which is implemented with the support of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, by NIRAS Sweden AB.
