On February 11, Malteser Relief Service hosted a discussion in the Mediatheque titled “How to Talk About War Responsibly: Psychological and Ethical Dimensions in Times of Crisis.” Journalists, volunteers, civil society representatives, and psychologists gathered to explore ways to report on war in a way that informs, supports, and does not cause further harm.
The Power of Words: What and How We Communicate
Words shape reality. Research shows that exposure to negatively framed information increases anxiety, reduces confidence in the future, and leads to emotional exhaustion. A study by the Institute of Cognitive Sciences found that 74% of people experience stress due to excessive exposure to distressing news. How do we find balance?
Orest Suvalo, coordinator of the Swiss-Ukrainian project “Mental Health for Ukraine” and consultant for Malteser Relief Service, emphasized the direct impact of language on societal resilience:
“People often don’t realize how media narratives can either reinforce a sense of hopelessness or provide the strength to endure. The culture of remembrance, support, and communication is the foundation of resilience. But first, we must build it within ourselves: learn to see each other, support one another, preserve memory, and collectively shape the future.”
Beyond Problems: The Importance of Success Stories
Responsible communication means not only discussing challenges but also highlighting solutions that work. According to sociological research, 62% of Ukrainians actively seek out success stories because they help maintain faith in victory and personal strength.
“The more effective solutions we see, the better we understand what is needed and for whom. People are exhausted, engagement is decreasing, and international support is declining. This is precisely why we must emphasize not only the difficulties but also the opportunities,” added Suvalo.
Displaced People: Individuals, Not Just a Category
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, more than 5.9 million Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes. But this is not just a statistic—it’s the story of people rebuilding their lives from scratch.
Halyna Bordun, head of the Coordination Center for Civilian Assistance, pointed out how society often oversimplifies perceptions of displaced people:
“We shouldn’t reduce their stories to suffering or poverty—they are individuals striving to rebuild their lives. Many think, ‘We provided you with a roof over your head—what else do you need?’ But housing alone isn’t enough. People need a community, jobs, stability, and most importantly, to feel they belong in their country.”
A similar issue exists in how society communicates about veterans. 78% of Ukrainian veterans struggle with employment after returning from war, and 20% experience social isolation. While government institutions debate who should provide support, many veterans are left alone with their challenges.
Mental Health: A Universal Need
Mental health has long been a taboo topic in Ukraine, but the war has changed that. 85% of Ukrainians report experiencing stress due to the war, and the number of people seeking psychological help has tripled.
Andriy Kapschyshak, veteran, writer, and author of “The Legend of the Free,” emphasized the importance of reshaping the conversation around war:
“War is part of our history, and we must tell these stories in a way that shows not just the pain, but also the strength of those who endure it. Society often has fixed expectations of what a veteran should be. But reality is more complex. When soldiers return, they don’t automatically reintegrate into civilian life. It’s a process, and we need to learn to speak about it openly, without bias or clichés.”
Natalia Ivanchenko, coordinator of the “How Are You?” program, pointed out that mental health remains a stigmatized topic in Ukraine:
“We need to talk not only about the consequences of trauma but also about how people cope, where they find support. Too many still believe mental health issues are distant problems affecting only severe disorders. But in reality, mental well-being is a fundamental part of life.
Many are willing to pay high prices for anonymous therapy sessions but would never seek help at a public clinic out of fear of being judged. This stigma must change.”
She emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach:
“If we start seeing people not through their status but through their real needs, we can create a society where no one feels left behind. War has affected everyone, and everyone deserves support—regardless of their personal story.”
Grief Has No Timeline
Speaking about war also means acknowledging loss. However, many in society want to “move on” as quickly as possible, leaving little room for those grieving to process their loss.
Marta Shyyko, journalist and widow of a fallen hero, emphasized the importance of telling stories with dignity:
“When we share stories, the focus shouldn’t be on trauma but on the person—who they were, what they loved, how they lived. It shouldn’t be about how ‘they were torn apart by grief,’ but about how they continue to live despite it. Such an approach is not only more ethical but also helps people see themselves beyond their loss.”
Many war widows face a complete lack of support—from employers, from society, even from friends.
“One widow shared how her colleagues told her: ‘Enough crying, stop talking about it.’ But such words don’t help—they only deepen isolation. Grief has no timeline. It’s a process, unique to each person. And community is the key resource for those experiencing loss.”
What’s Next?
The discussion confirmed that responsible storytelling about war, loss, and mental health is not just about ethics—it’s a tool for societal support. Participants highlighted the need for further conversations to develop shared approaches to ethical communication.
Malteser Relief Service thanks everyone who took part in this important conversation. Together, we can reshape communication so that it fosters resilience, support, and understanding.
The event took place with the support of Aktion Deutschland Hilft.