Home > Public Resources > War and Disaster Resources

War and Disaster Resources

Recent war-related events have impacted many individuals and families who may be experiencing direct exposure to trauma or who are triggered by reminders of previous traumatic experiences. Below are select resources from ISTSS affiliates, partner organizations, and other related health organizations for providers, individuals, and families who may need support during this time.

For Mental Health Professionals

Supporting Patients
- War in Ukraine Mental Health Resources
- ISTSS Webinar - Opportunities and Challenges for the Traumatic Stress Community to Assist those Affected by the War in Ukraine
  - Mental Health and Pscyhosocial Support, Humanitarian Responsed in Ukraine and Neighboring Countries - as mentioned during webinar
  - Webinar presentation slides (English) or (Ukrainian) - Pieter Ventevogel, MD, PhD
  - Webinar presentation slides (English) or (Ukrainian)- Iryna Frankova, MD, PhD
  - Webinar presentation slides (English) or (Ukrainian) - Marit Sijbrandij, PhD
- Information for Responders on Emotional Reactions to Human Remains
- Sustaining the Well-Being of Caregivers While Helping Victims of War
- Behavioral Health Concerns Providers Should Know About During Nuclear Events
- IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (English)
- IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (Ukrainian)
- Clinical Management of Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Conditions in Humanitarian Emergencies – WHO and UNHCR. [English], [Ukrainian], [Russian]
Refugees
Military / Veterans
- Provider Guide to Addressing Veterans' Reactions to Current Events in Ukraine - PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov)
- Consulting: As always, the PTSD Consultation Program (www.ptsd.va.gov/consult) is here to support you in treating veterans. If you have questions about these pages or would like to talk with one of our consultants, please reach out to us anytime at [email protected]. No question is too big or too small.

Disaster Recovery
- Disaster Recovery Toolkits
- Information for Responders on Emotional Reactions to Human Remains

Psychological First Aid

For Individuals, Parents, and Caregivers

Trauma Basics
Support for Children and Families - Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
- Helping Children Understand Frightening Events
- Managing the Stress of Children after a Crisis
- Post Disaster Stress Management for Parents
- Managing the Stress of War and Disaster
- Talking to Children about War (NCTSN)
- Helping Communities and Families Recover after a Disaster
- How you can support your child during bombing [English], ]Ukrainian], [Russian].
Psychological First Aid
- Psychological First Aid for Displaced Children and Families (NCTSN)
- Recommendations for dealing with people in crisis situations and following difficult life events – Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe. [English], [Ukrainian] [Russian].
Refugee Caregivers
- Traumatic Separation and Refugee and Immigrant Children: Tips for Current Caregivers (NCTSN)
Military / Veterans
- Providing Support and Resources for Ukrainian Military Families
- Coping with Current Events in Ukraine - PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov)
- Military OneSource – call 1-800-342-9647 for eligible DOD service members and their families.
- Veterans Crisis Line – call 1-800-273-8255, press “1” or text 838255 for all service members.
Leadership
- Leadership Communication for Anticipating and Responding to Stressful Events
- Leadership Stress Management
Other Resources
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline – call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press “2”) to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7/365.

Translations

Mental Health Providers
- Clinical Management of Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Conditions in Humanitarian Emergencies – WHO and UNHCR. [Ukrainian], [Russian]
Psychological First Aid
- Psychological first aid: facilitator’s manual for orienting field workers [Ukrainian]
- Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers [Ukrainian]
- Recommendations for dealing with people in crisis situations and following difficult life events – Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe. [Ukrainian] [Russian].
Children and Families
- IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings [Ukrainian]
- How you can support your child during bombing [Ukrainian], [Russian].

Join ISTSS Donate to ISTSS