Introduction
This presentation will help me prepare to talk on mental health awareness to a group of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russia/Ukraine war. I understand the need to communicate suitably and sympathetically with their culture. One of support and admiration. I am aware that they have endured horrible events and may, as a result, be struggling with mental health issues. I intend to arm them with knowledge and tools that will enable them to handle these difficulties and advance their mental health. I’m coming into this lecture with an open mind and a want to learn about their experiences and culture. I believe this presentation will aid in my preparation for speaking to a group of Ukrainian refugees who have fled the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and are now looking for safety in nearby countries. I understand that to communicate effectively, and we must consider their culture. One of aid and respect. I know they have experienced a lot and might have mental health issues. To help people overcome these challenges and improve their mental health, I want to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills. Throughout this talk, I’m interested in learning more about their culture and history. I shall respond to their criticisms and questions politely and intellectually. I aim to earn people’s trust while assisting them in improving their mental health.
To start, it’s critical to define mental health and clarify that it refers to a state of well-being in which people can manage everyday challenges and contribute to their community. I’ll speak plainly and avoid jargon or technical phrases that the migrants might not be familiar with. Also, I’ll give illustrations that are pertinent to their experiences and culture.
Numerous mental health conditions require recognition, including Depression, stress, PTSD, stress, severe anxiety, and suicide. I’ll describe each condition and give some common symptoms patients may experience (Schwartz et al., 2022). Take an example statement of mine: “Depression is a state of persistent sadness that reduces one’s capacity to take pleasure in life. Several things, like the death of a loved one or the feeling of great sorrow, might set it off.”
Since suicide rates have increased, suicide prevention has become an issue for Ukrainian citizens. Therefore I plan to devote some of my lectures to that topic. I’ll go over some of the warning signs for suicide, like talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless, and outline several resources for refugees. Furthermore, I will stress the need to seek help when coping with mental health concerns and provide details on easily accessible choices, such as community mental health teams.
Channels of communication
For my presentation on mental health awareness to the Ukrainian war refugees from Russia and Ukraine, I’ll employ a range of communication channels. These channels should be suitable for their culture and language competence to ensure that they can readily understand and interact with the message.
To deliver the presentation, I will first employ verbal communication. I’ll use plain, uncomplicated language that is spoken slowly and clearly. To make the presentation more interesting and approachable, I will also include pertinent examples and tales (Platash, 2022). The refugees will better relate to the message and comprehend the information.
Second, I’ll emphasize my statement using nonverbal cues. This entails maintaining good posture, eye contact, and proper hand and facial movements. These nonverbal cues can be used to establish rapport and trust with the refugees, which will increase their openness to the message being delivered.
Thirdly, I’ll support my arguments with visual materials like images, films, and diagrams. The presentation will become more interesting, and the main points will be reinforced. For refugees with little English ability, visual aids might be beneficial for conveying complicated ideas without relying exclusively on language.
Fourth, I will supplement my verbal message with written communication. This will entail distributing pamphlets, brochures, or other printed materials highlighting the presentation’s main ideas. Refugees who require more time to comprehend the information or want to review it later can use these materials as a reference.
Last but not least, I’ll use technology to improve my message. This can entail arranging and illuminating my message on PowerPoint slides or reaching refugees who cannot attend the lecture in person using teleconferencing capabilities. I’ll ensure that any technology used is sensitive to cultural differences and appropriate for the refugees’ level of technological proficiency.
In conclusion, I may effectively engage Ukrainian refugees from the Russia/Ukraine war by delivering my mental health awareness presentation through verbal, nonverbal, visual, textual, and technical communication channels. These channels should be created to better their overall experience and comprehension of the presentation and adjusted to meet their linguistic and cultural needs.
My message and arguments concerning suicide prevention
I’ll make the following arguments and deliver the following messages to Ukrainian refugees from the Russia/Ukraine war about the significance of mental health awareness:
Awareness of mental health issues can aid refugees in comprehending and overcoming their trauma and loss experiences. Refugees can better understand their feelings and build coping mechanisms for their mental health needs by receiving mental health education and support services. Education about suicide prevention may help fewer Ukrainian refugees attempt and die by suicide. Refugees can seek treatment before a crisis develops if the warning signals of suicide are made more widely known, and resources are made available. Mental health stigma can be reduced by public education (Goniewicz, 2022). Refugees are more likely to seek treatment when mental health issues are acknowledged openly and aid is available. Mental health difficulties can severely influence an individual’s capacity to work and contribute to society. We can aid refugees and their communities by addressing mental health issues and giving therapy.
Messages to communicate:
As a result of its significance to one’s general well-being and bliss, emotional well-being care is an unquestionable requirement for having a full and useful existence. Emotional wellness issues are not to be demonized, and connecting for help exhibits boldness and grit. Those struggling with suicidal ideation have resources (Javanbakht, 2022). Mental health awareness must include suicide prevention efforts. Programs for emotional wellness care are accessible, which can work on Ukrainian refugees’ well-being and personal satisfaction. It is vital to decrease the disgrace associated with emotional well-being issues, and open exchange and training can assist with this.
Conclusion
The study highlights the significance of including a part on suicide prevention in the presentation on mental health awareness, given the significant increase in suicide rates among Ukrainian people due to the conflict. Warning signs for suicide, available resources, and the importance of seeking help when dealing with mental health difficulties should all be emphasized throughout the presentation. The report recommends employing channels like community leaders, interpreters, and mental health specialists who can help overcome linguistic and cultural barriers to allow effective communication. Making eye contact, speaking slowly and clearly, and using visual aids are all examples of respectful nonverbal communication that should be utilized. At the end of the report, the researchers stress the importance of cultural sensitivity and empathy when instructing Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russia-Ukraine war on mental health matters. Our goal is to improve the lives of refugees and help them overcome challenges by delivering effective services and information that considers their culture.
References
Goniewicz, K. (2022). Ukrainian-War Refugees in Poland: Assessment and Recommendations for Crisis Preparedness Education and Implementation. Polish Political Science Yearbook, 51(1), 1-9.
Javanbakht, A. (2022). Addressing war trauma in Ukrainian refugees before it is too late. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(2), 2104009.
Platash, L. (2022). Communicative competence as a means of increasing stress resistance of Ukrainian refugees in new conditions of social adaptation to foreign countries.
Schwartz, L., Nakonechna, M., Campbell, G., Brunner, D., Stadler, C., Schmid, M., … & Bürgin, D. (2022). Addressing the mental health needs and burdens of children fleeing war: a field update from ongoing mental health and psychosocial support efforts at the Ukrainian border. European journal of psychotraumatology, 13(2), 2101759.