When I learned that Doctors Without Borders was ramping up its efforts in Ukraine, I immediately wondered what its plans were for mental health aid.

At first glance, much of the focus seemed to be on getting emergency medical supplies to areas hard-hit after the Russian invasion, as well as crucial medicines for chronic illnesses to people where pharmacies had closed.

But for many people, psychiatric drugs are also crucial medicines; stopping a regimen abruptly can have serious or even life-threatening health consequences. The trauma of war also brings the risk of mental health disorders to so many more people who may have never struggled before.

So I started looking into whether aid groups even have psychiatric medications on hand, and if so, how do they get them to people in Ukraine and other crisis zones? What I found was a sometimes complicated and imperfect process that can also be a lifesaver for those in need.

And even though this was an international story, it had links back to Texas, including an East Texas psychologist who worked on emergency mental health aid in Syria. I also spoke with an Afghan man who recently resettled in Austin, and who said decades of war and violence in his home country have created what he called “mental issues” in seemingly everyone he knows. I’m grateful to them and others who’ve been willing to share their experiences with mental health. It’s a beat I’ve dedicated myself to for several years because it’s something that can touch anyone’s life, and no one should have to cope alone.

What do you think? Reach out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or email and let us know.

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