The Army+ app has launched a course on psychological support for military personnel in crisis situations
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has launched a new training course on the "Army+" app designed to help service members recognize the signs of a psychological crisis in their comrades and respond appropriately in difficult situations.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense.
The course teaches military personnel to recognize warning signs that may indicate a crisis, as well as how to properly initiate difficult conversations and promptly involve specialists.
Special attention is given to practical support and self-help skills for those who assist others.
The training consists of five modules covering the following topics:
- how to recognize warning signs and risk factors;
- why it is important to talk about suicidal thoughts without taboos;
- how to support a person without judgment or pressure;
- how to assess the level of danger and when to involve professionals;
- how to act in real-life situations with fellow soldiers, wounded military personnel, or loved ones;
- how to take care of your own mental and emotional well-being while helping others.
The course uses simulated real-life situations to help participants understand how to act in practice: how to start a conversation, what questions to ask, how to listen, and how to stay by a person’s side during a crisis.
It also separately addresses myths about psychological crises, the role of support from those around you, and the importance of attentive communication.
A separate module is dedicated to the well-being of the military personnel themselves who provide support to others. Specifically, it addresses emotional exhaustion, anxiety, feelings of guilt, and self-help strategies.
The course was developed by the Department of Social Welfare of the Ministry of Defense and the Psychological Support Directorate in collaboration with:
- specialists from the Akershus University Hospital (Norway);
- the Mental Health Center at NaUKMA;
- the non-governmental organization “Magura.”
The Ministry of Defense noted that 26 training courses are already available in the “Army+” app, covering topics ranging from tactical medicine and information security to psychological support and military leadership.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine launched a new training course, “Recruit Adaptation,” for new recruits in the “Army+” app.
