The war has left an imprint on the mental health of every Ukrainian. Metinvest Group psychologists help Metinvest Group employees and their families overcome psychological stress, post-traumatic syndrome and emotional exhaustion, remain unbroken and look confidently into the future. As of June 30, 2023, specialists have already conducted 3,874 consultations.
For more than 500 days of the full-scale war, Ukrainians have experienced a lot of grief and pain. In order for every employee to receive high-quality, timely and free assistance, in spring 2022, the company launched the 'Metinvest Together!' project. In the early months of the russian invasion, Wellbeing Company psychologists mostly supported those directly affected by russian aggression. Consultations helped to gain a foothold and believe in the future for people who were subjected to violence, lost their homes and loved ones.
«An attentive specialist who knows how to listen and explain why everything is happening this way, support and inspire a way out of stress. Thank you very much!»
However, over time, it turned out that the support of qualified experts is no less important for the rest of the employees. This became especially noticeable on the anniversary of the war, when constant tensions, disturbing news and fear of the unknown began to drain the last resources. The number of requests has more than tripled: if in March last year only 62 consultations were held, then in the same month of 2023 there were as many as 226.
AID IN FIGURES
As of June 30, 2023, 'Metinvest Together!' held 3,874 consultations.
Of course, one of the reasons for this growth of requests is the consistently difficult situation at the front. After all, at the beginning of hostilities, Ukrainians hoped for a quick solution within a few weeks. The hope played a frustrating joke with people: even realizing that the war was going to exhaustion, they continued to hope and give all their best, including emotionally. Personal life and well-being faded into insignificance: many Ukrainians still consider it wrong to live for themselves when there is a war in the country.
However, psychologists have their own point of view. Life is like water, experts say. If it stands motionless, it becomes unsuitable for existence. If it flows, changes, is renewed – it remains a source of energy and strength.
The correctness of this position is emphasized by the project itself, because it was also affected by significant changes. At the time of its creation, 'Metinvest Together!' was mostly attended by women. Today, 35% of the audience is confidently occupied by men. Also, during the work, 110 consultations for adolescents and 26 consultations for children have already taken place.
Gradually, the psychological accent of meetings has changed. If initially anxiety, post-traumatic disorders, loss of a home or a loved one held the lead, now most consultations concern relationships with others, family well-being, life balance and self-knowledge. This indicates that gradually Ukrainians realize the importance of assistance, learn to live and develop professionally even in war conditions.
«Kateryna is the best of those I met on the way to solving my problem. She sees what I do not see, hears what I would not pay attention to. And very correctly she brings it all to work with me.
I am very grateful for organizing the project that connected us with her.»
So far, the largest number of consultations has been held for employees of Metinvest Business Service, Zaporizhzhia Casting and Mechanical Plant, Metinvest Digital and Northern GOK. In addition, relatives of employees regularly seek the help of psychologists.
FIGURE
During more than 500 days of the war, 944 consultations were held for relatives of the company's employees.
Also, as part of the project, regular group meetings 'Strong – Together!' are held. Collective therapy helps to socialize, share worries and find the necessary support in a friendly circle. 16webinars on the main topics of mental health help to prepare for the meeting and work through some internal conflicts on their own.
How to stop being afraid of change: advice from 'Metinvest – Together!' psychologists
The main obstacle to happiness is our brain's desire for stability. Evolutionarily, a person regards everything unknown as a potential danger. Including an appeal to a psychologist. After all, we do not know what will happen to us, we just have to cross this line. If you experience something like this, the main thing is to understand that change is an organic and integral part of our lives.
Stability is nothing more than an illusion, because in fact changes are happening right now, while you are reading this text. Your age, mood, pressure, blood sugar levels change – all without your control. Therefore, instead of avoiding change, it is better to work with your attitude towards them. Only then you can change your life for the better.
Where to begin?
At least – it is worth remembering what changes you have already lived. Think about what good they have brought into your life. Perhaps thanks to them, you have become stronger, acquired new skills, started earning more, or even overcome some fear. After all, something good can be found in every situation. The most important thing is to realize that you already have experience of living changes! You already know how!
Small actions also help a lot. By introducing something new into your life, you create additional neural connections, teach your brain to be less afraid and better adapt to the unknown. Such a rewarding experience can be quite pleasant – for example, the taste of a new coffee or unusual dish, a change in hairstyle, style, or genre of an evening movie. Be sure to try this practice: It will not only make your life brighter, but also help you adapt to new conditions, relieve tension and get rid of fear that inhibits your development.
Among other things, such a step could be a free anonymous consultation with a specialist from 'Metinvest Together!'. With the help of a qualified psychologist, you will deal with any situation many times faster. Moreover, to make an appointment, you just need to call 0 800 600 170 at any convenient time from 8:00 to 20:00.
For more information on the 'Metinvest Together!' service, please visit the company's intranet portal.
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