Following a number of significant international conflicts, the PSI has set up a resources section which aims to provide assistance to those who have been affected by war.
Psychological science recognises that the effects of war on wellbeing are many: from the fundamental needs of basic safety and access to food and clean water, through to the impacts of stress and uncertainty and grief for the loss of those who are close to us.
These impacts are felt not just in locations affected by war, but throughout the world. This includes those who are seeking refuge in countries like Ireland, those who host them, and those who already live in Ireland but who are distressed as they relate to those abroad who are experiencing the challenges of war.
This section will be continuously updated with resources regarding war situations so please come back for regular visits.
Disclaimer: Whilst some of the contents of this page are official PSI documents/positions, some of the contents are from external sources. The content contained here is intended as a repository/resource to help people during these times.
The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) is concerned about the psychological wellbeing of those affected by the war in Gaza and Israel.
You can read the statement in full as a PDF here.
The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the professional body for psychology in the Republic of Ireland, strongly condemns the Russian military invasion of Ukraine and the aggression shown towards Ukrainian citizens.
You can also read the statement in full as a PDF here (English language version). Click here for the translation in Ukrainian and here for Russian.
The Irish Government provides a helpful frequently asked questions (FAQs) page for Ukrainian citizens and their family members wishing to travel to Ireland - click here to access. The FAQ page is updated on an ongoing basis as the arrangements and developments change.
The Irish Refugee Council has also provided some helpful information that can be accessed here.
The National Psychological Association of Ukraine (NPA) has set up a local free-to-call Irish helpline number to support Ukrainians in need of psychological help. The Irish helpline number is +353 1800 817 519 and the UK number is +44 808 164 2432.
The Health Service Executive has established the National Social Inclusion Office which outlines supports for social inclusion, a translation hub, and information regarding the Irish healthcare system. You can contact the Office by phone at +353 01 620 1703 and by email at Socialinclusion@hse.ie.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides helpful information for Ukrainian citizens regarding the healthcare services available to them in Ireland - click here for further information.
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has developed resources to support children and young people in a time of war and conflict. Such resources can be accessed via the gov.ie website by clicking here.
The British Psychological Society (BPS) has released guidance on Helping children to process the horrors of war, offering advice for parents on talking to their children about the conflict in Gaza and Israel.
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers advice on How to handle the trauma of war from afar and Talking to kids about the war in Ukraine. They also offer tips for Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of teens.
A selection of trauma and PTSD psychoeducation resources have been translated into Ukrainian and are available for free to download and use. You can access these resources by clicking here.
NEPS has also developed resources to help support the wellbeing of children from Ukraine in schools. Such resources can be accessed via the gov.ie website by clicking here.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2011 publication Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers, "psychological first aid (PFA) describes a humane, supportive response to a fellow human being who is suffering and who may need support".
The WHO guide is available in over 30 languages and can be accessed by clicking here.
The PSI Special Interest Group in Human Rights and Psychology (SIGHRP) has produced a rapid response psychology tool to aid the public’s assistance to Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland. Click here to view.
The SIGHRP has also produced a Psychological First Aid (PFA) and critical resources document for those who assist and work with refugees and displaced persons. Click here to view.
There are various ways to help those who have been affected by war. The information below briefly touches on just some of the ways you can help.