Supporting those in Need & Times of Crisis

Throughout the last couple of years the world has experienced times of crisis, whether during the COVID pandemic, protests, riots and now the war on Ukraine. PsyMood is devastated and saddened by the events occurring in Ukraine and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine and everyone affected by this tragedy across the world. As an organization that proudly works to service international communities we understand how detrimental to your mental health outside events affecting your community can be. For many of us we know we are in a position of privileged being away from conflict zones.

However, you may know someone who is affected by this recent tragedy or just want to help those who are. Below we have given you some ideas on how to support those in need in times of crisis.

Disclaimer: this article discusses potentially distressing topics surrounding the war on Ukraine.

Educate yourself on Current Events

Ignorance is harmful and often comes from a lack of understanding and education. It is important to educate yourself on the current events occurring in Ukraine so you have understanding on world affairs, how you can help those affected and how to appropriately discuss it with others. It is also important to remember to get your news and information from trusted sources. We recommend using trusted news sources such as the BBC’s reports on Ukraine or CTV’s live updates on the conflict.

Donate to Causes 

Right now the people of Ukraine desperately need our help. Whether you are able to donate your time to spread the word or money to aid victims of the conflict. There are plenty of charities that make an impact in supporting those affected by the war. Here are just a few:

• World Vision: helping with children and families fleeing Ukraine with the emergency response crisis fund.
• World Central Kitchen: feeding families fleeing home as well as those who remain in the country.
• Revived Soldiers Ukraine: a nonprofit dedicated to assisting injured soldiers through rehabilitation funding medical treatment.
• Project C.U.R.E: supporting towards critical medical supplies to hospitals, rural clinics and community health centres.
• Humanitarian Coalition: sending emergency supplies, focusing on child safety and healthcare demand in the affected areas across Ukraine and surrounding areas that are supporting refugees.
• UNICEF: offering urgent humanitarian aid to children and families in Ukraine.
• CARE: supplying water, food and medical supplies to those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Spread Awareness 

As well as educating yourself on current events, it can be beneficial to your community and those around you to spread the news you have learned about, in hopes of encouraging more people to donate their time and money to the cause. Spreading awareness could include having a conversation with a loved one who doesn’t watch the news and therefore isn’t up to date with happenings in Ukraine. Spreading awareness also might include speaking to your co-workers and managers at work to ask if you can set up a fundraiser. Social media is also a platform that can amplify messages to your followers and send out important information to spread awareness and educate others. 

Check on those Around You

Crisis can affect everyone in different ways and as a cultural mosaic, many of our friends in Canada will have family living all over the world in places such as Ukraine. It is important to talk to those around you and see how they are feeling about the news and events going on around the world, particularly in Ukraine. If someone you know is struggling there are many resources and platforms available to assist in their wellbeing.

PsyMood is a diverse multicultural mental health platform with over 350 mental health specialists that speak more than 35 different languages to assist in providing you mental health support based on your language and cultural background. You can sign up today and receive a FREE 15 in-take session with a specialist to find the perfect match for you.