Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
3-22-2024
Abstract
The turmoil unleashed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered a mass migration of individuals from Russia to nearby countries like Armenia and Georgia. Amidst this upheaval, concerns have arisen regarding the mental well-being of Russian emigrants and their experiences during this turbulent period. To bridge this gap in knowledge, our study aims to examine the mental health status of adult Russian emigrants who departed from their homeland after the beginning of the conflict.
Drawing from a sample of 67 participants, comprising 30 females and 3 non-binary individuals, our research focuses on communities in Armenia and Georgia, which witnessed a substantial influx of Russian immigrants in the wake of the crisis. Participants were administered questionnaires aimed at assessing their migration traumatic experiences, current daily stressors, and levels of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
The results unveiled high levels of psychological distress among the participants. 89% of participants reported encountering at least one traumatic event prior and during the process of migration, underscoring the prevalence of preexisting trauma within this demographic. Furthermore, 67% met the diagnostic criteria for depression, signifying a notable prevalence of depressive symptoms, while 44% exhibited signs of anxiety. Moreover, 17% of participants displayed symptoms consistent with PTSD, emphasizing the profound psychological toll of the migration process.
Participants commonly cited feelings of isolation, uncertainty about their future, financial struggles, and familial separation as daily stressors. Importantly, these stressors demonstrated significant correlations with depressive symptoms, highlighting the detrimental impact of ongoing stress on mental well-being.
Our study sheds light on the mental health struggles endured by Russian immigrants in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for support and resources to address their psychological needs. Further research is warranted to explore targeted interventions aimed at alleviating trauma-related distress and fostering resilience within this population.
Recommended Citation
McCready, Maria; David Witherington; Steven Verney; and Dmitry Boltyanskiy. "Russians Fleeing Putin’s country: Trauma, Daily Stressors, Anxiety, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc-bbhrd/202
Included in
International Public Health Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons
