IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERVENTION “SELF-HELP HLUS” IN WORK WITH VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF ADAPTATION
Abstract
Relevance. The relevance of the study is due to the increase in psychological challenges faced by veterans and their families in conditions of military and social crises. The purpose of the publication is to summarize the authors' experience in adapting the program “Self-Help Plus” (SD+), developed by the World Health Organization, for work with veterans and their families, as well as to assess the effectiveness of this implementation.
Methodology. Methodological support - WHO manual with recommendations for using the Self-Help Plus (SH+) program, observation of emotional reactions of program participants, quantitative and qualitative analysis of changes in the level of stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD in veterans and their family members before and after group classes.
Results. High levels of stress negatively affect mental health, which is confirmed by WHO data on the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders. The implementation of the Self-Help Plus (SH+) program, the main content of which is interventions aimed at developing self-regulation skills and managing the emotional state of participants, led to a decrease in symptoms of distress, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic manifestations in its participants. This confirms the effectiveness of SH+ as a group intervention that promotes psychological recovery and strengthening resources.
Conclusions. The conclusions of the work emphasize the feasibility of wider implementation of such evidence-based self-help programs in the practice of supporting veterans, taking into account their individual needs.
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