Kiev, Ukraine – Olena Zelenska, the wife of Ukraine’s President, addressed the outcomes of a comprehensive mental health study conducted by the British firm Alligator Digital, commissioned for the Third Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen. The survey’s findings were presented during the Third Summit, held on September 6 in Kyiv.
The primary objective of this extensive sociological research was to assess how individuals in diverse regions of the world perceive their mental health and their willingness to openly discuss related issues. This survey encompassed 11 countries representing a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. Among these nations were those currently in conflict or recovering from recent upheavals, as well as those that faced significant conflicts several decades ago.
“Alongside concerns such as inflation, poverty, and livelihood loss, residents from various countries, including Ukraine, have identified mental health as one of today’s most pressing challenges,” noted Zelenska.
Key findings from the study include:
Approximately 24% of respondents expressed discomfort about discussing their mental health with a medical professional.
Nearly half of the respondents reported feeling the consequences of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Notably, 40% of German citizens, 36% of Polish citizens, and 36% of U.S. citizens acknowledged that global conflicts impact them personally.
During times of conflict, the significance of human relationships and interpersonal connections becomes amplified. Sixty-six percent of those significantly affected by armed conflicts turned to their families for emotional support.
Young people aged 18 to 24 reported the lowest mental health ratings, scoring 6.7 out of 10, compared to the global average of 7.5.
Addressing the perception that young individuals handle life’s challenges with greater ease, Zelenska emphasized, “The stereotype that young people navigate life’s challenges more effortlessly is just that – a stereotype.”
Nevertheless, Zelenska highlighted a positive trend: young, sensitive individuals have the potential to reshape the narrative surrounding mental health in their societies. Adolescents are more inclined to view people with mental health disorders as strong, courageous, and inspiring. They support the need for educational programs to improve mental health, with the 18-24 age group showing more enthusiasm for raising awareness about mental health in society.
The research, conducted online from August 1 to August 24, 2023, involved interviews in local languages in 11 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Germany, Israel, Japan, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, and Ukraine. A total of 11,000 interviews were conducted with respondents aged 13 and above, with 1,000 respondents from each country. The study was carried out by Alligator Digital, a UK-based full-service research agency.
This research was conducted under the umbrella of the “How are you?” Ukrainian Mental Health Program, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska and supported by the World Health Organization. The study received expert backing from the Coordination Centre for Mental Health under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Brand Ukraine, and Barrier-Free NGO.
The Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, pioneered by Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, seeks to foster international dialogue on critical humanitarian challenges worldwide. Originating in Kyiv on August 23, 2021, the summit has evolved into a global platform uniting the efforts of the spouses of world leaders, experts from various fields, global celebrities, and opinion leaders to enhance the lives of millions across different nations. The Third Summit, held on September 6, was dedicated to addressing issues surrounding mental health.
