How forced migration affects Ukrainians’ mental and social well-being

Shevchenko’s message—embracing both one’s own roots and the wisdom of others—applies now more than ever to Ukrainians scattered by war, trying to find stability in unfamiliar lands.

Let’s discuss what “proper” emigration really means, if such a thing exists under forced conditions. Over the past few years, I’ve been involved in volunteer work supporting Ukrainian migrants in Germany, serving as an interpreter, participating in UN projects, and helping displaced Ukrainians find their footing. Through this work, I’ve encountered countless stories that highlight the unique struggles Ukrainians face as they adapt to new environments.

This experience has led me to share my thoughts on migration on social media, and a recent Facebook post sparked an interesting reaction. I had suggested that 2024 might finally see an increase in the employment rate among Ukrainians in Germany. In response, a commenter argued that Ukrainians should avoid settling abroad, as they should be ready to return home after the war. While I understand this perspective—given that Ukraine will need its citizens to rebuild—her comment also raised a more complex question: should returning be the only goal for every Ukrainian abroad? And what about those who struggle to adapt to life outside of Ukraine?

Psychological aspect

A person forced to leave their home due to war faces serious psychological challenges. The shock caused by the sudden disruption of their normal life, fear for their own and their loved ones' lives, and uncertainty about the future all exert immense pressure on the mind. Initially, the dominant emotions are shock, fear, and despair. Basic instincts tell them they must survive and find a safe place for themselves and their family.

Over time, when the initial problems are resolved (finding shelter, securing food, processing documents), another phase begins — coming to terms with their new reality. And this is often where the most difficult part begins: after surviving physically, the battle for psychological survival starts. People who were socially active in Ukraine suddenly lose their identity in a new environment. They cannot work in their profession or engage in temporary, low-paying jobs that do not provide a sense of self-fulfillment. This leads to what is known as learned helplessness. The individual loses faith in their abilities because their actions no longer lead to positive results.

What does this look like in practice? Imagine a woman who was active in Ukraine, worked in a responsible position, took care of her children, and led a socially engaged life. Now she finds herself in a country where her basic needs are met, but she is deprived of the opportunity for self-realization. Without a plan for the future, without a clear understanding of when she can return, her sense of self-worth declines, potentially leading to apathy or even depression.

Sociological aspect

Emigration is not only about personal adaptation but also about the process of social integration. And here, too, there are many challenges that Ukrainians face abroad. When a large number of people find themselves in a new country in uncertain conditions, without the ability to fully integrate, a process of social isolation begins. People gradually distance themselves from the new society and retreat into their own national diaspora.

This isolation can lead to the formation of ghettos — social groups that live separately from the main society. This hinders integration, creating cultural and social barriers between migrants and the local population. As a result, Ukrainians do not receive the opportunity to fully integrate into the new society, remaining isolated from it.

Loss of professional skills

In three or more years, significant changes occur in any professional field. Technologies evolve, business processes are optimized, and demands on workers increase. If a person has not been actively involved in their professional activities during this time, they lose not only their skills but also confidence in their abilities. Upon returning to Ukraine and re-entering the labor market, such a person may find themselves non-competitive, especially in the face of growing competition.

Loss of social connections

Social connections play a huge role in both professional and personal life. An emigrant who ends up abroad gradually loses contact with former colleagues and friends in Ukraine. People in their home country continue to develop, move forward, and advance in their careers. However, a person who has spent three years in forced isolation not only becomes distanced from professional life but also from their social circle.

Upon returning to their homeland, they may feel detached from those with whom they once had close ties. The loss of these connections significantly complicates reintegration, job searches, and even the restoration of personal and social life.

Loss of motivation and adaptability

Prolonged absence from active professional or social activities leads to a loss of motivation. A person who has not had development incentives for a long time may lose the ability to quickly respond to changes. Returning to Ukraine after a three-year absence can trigger fear of new challenges. Without constant practice, adaptability skills become dull, and returning to an active life requires considerable effort.

What needs to change?

The reality is that without support and the creation of opportunities for social and professional activity, even abroad, we risk losing a vast human potential that could be crucial for Ukraine’s future. Ukrainians who were forced to leave their country must have the opportunity not only to wait for their return but also to preserve and develop their skills and competencies.

The call to "wait for the return" without concrete plans for personal development can have serious consequences. Prolonged inactivity can fundamentally change a person, reducing their potential and ability to reintegrate into their native society.

Re-emigration requires efforts from both the individual and the state, which must create programs to support the return and adaptation of its citizens. It is important not only to call for the return but also to understand that this return should occur in an atmosphere of support and opportunities for recovery.

Therefore, regardless of how our society is divided between those who stayed and those who left, Ukraine's future depends on unity. We must combine our efforts to build a new, strong society in which the experiences and knowledge of Ukrainians gained abroad will become a valuable resource for rebuilding our country after the war.

And on this path, we must remember the words of our great poet Taras Shevchenko: "Learn from others, but don't forget your own." This is not just a call — it is a profound philosophy that emphasizes that a nation's true strength lies in its ability to embrace the new without losing its identity.

In addition, here are several sociological and demographic studies on the topic that may be useful:

• Return Migration and Development (K. Koser, T. Faist)

• Migration and Mental Health (David Ingleby) — This book examines how migration and re-emigration affect a person's mental state, particularly in terms of stress and adaptation to new conditions.

• The Politics of Return: International Migration and the Nation-State (L. Smith) — This book explores the relationship between government policies toward migrants and the process of their return. It analyzes reintegration programs and the possible economic consequences for recipient countries.

• Remittances and Re-emigration: Impacts on Development (R. Adams, A. Cuecuecha) — A study on how financial assistance from emigrants working abroad affects a country's development and how this assistance can promote return and reintegration.