Polish Psychiatrist Warns Europe to Brace for Mental Health Impact from Returning Ukrainian Soldiers

(MENAFN) Poland’s leading military psychiatrist, Radoslaw Tworus, has raised concerns about the potential threat posed by returning Ukrainian soldiers suffering from untreated mental health issues, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In an interview with Wirtualna Polska, Tworus, who heads the department of psychiatry, combat stress, and psychotraumatology at the Military Medical Institute in Warsaw, warned that trauma from the battlefield could lead to serious psychological problems, potentially endangering civilians in Europe.

Tworus emphasized that the extreme stressors faced by Ukrainian soldiers, including life-threatening situations, witnessing violence and destruction, and enduring hunger and exhaustion, will have long-term effects not just on Poland but across Europe. As many Ukrainian soldiers are expected to seek refuge in neighboring countries after the conflict, the need for preparation becomes urgent.

“We have to prepare,” Tworus stressed, explaining that PTSD is a significant concern but far from the only issue. The psychiatrist pointed out that the stressful conditions of war can lead to a wide spectrum of mental health challenges, including adaptation difficulties, psychosis, depression, and addictions. He warned that the long-term psychological impact of these disorders could pose a growing challenge for European societies.

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