The demand for antidepressants in Ukraine is reaching record levels. Here's how to maintain your mental health during these challenging times.
The aftermath of the great war has turned stress into a daily norm for Ukrainians: daily bombardments and airstrikes compel millions to live in a state of uncertainty. Air raid sirens sound every day, and this harsh reality has increased the demand for medications and resources to maintain mental and physical health.
In 2024, the demand for antidepressants surged significantly, with data from the medical portal Liki24 indicating an increase of nearly 50% compared to last year. Common vitamins also topped sales in the pharmaceutical industry, with a 45.5% rise in purchases.
Together with painkillers, medications for high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, and sedatives, antidepressants have entered the top 10 most popular drugs since February 24, 2022.
A study published in the medical journal The Lancet showed that 54% of Ukrainians suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder due to the consequences of the war. Severe anxiety is prevalent among 21%, while a high level of stress affects another 18% of the population. Meanwhile, thousands of people lack access to healthcare, including psychiatric assistance.
Among Ukrainians, not only psycho-stimulants are in demand. Traditionally, with the change of weather, there has been an increase in purchases of medications for flu, sore throat, and runny nose.
The top 10 ordered medications include Nimesil, Paracetamol, Eucasol Aqua, Ibuprofen, No-Spa, and Solpadeine Active. Notably, in 2022, the demand for potassium iodide surged by a record 5000% due to nuclear threats from Russia.
Over the past three years, the cost of medications in Ukraine has significantly increased: a sharp rise of nearly 20% was observed in 2022, followed by another 19% in 2023, while in 2024 the growth rate slowed to 10.81%. The average price of a pharmacy basket has risen from 700-900 hryvnias in 2021 to 1,200-1,400 hryvnias in 2024.
There is always a choice: alternatives to medications
The first category includes physical culture, social activities, various arts, meditative practices, and more. All of these, according to the doctor, can help individuals cope with depression.
It is also important to consider the financial aspect. Pharmaceutical companies, as the expert states, are monitoring trends and are witnessing a manifold increase in the demand for medications in a war-torn country. Consequently, they are profiting from the preferences of various medication users.
Is it easy to overcome depression?
"It is essential for every Ukrainian to understand a simple truth: the war is not forever. Once it ends, those who rely on antidepressants may sink into post-war depression. This is a genuine dependency on both the condition and chemical substances. Natural antidepressants create a good dependency, while pills create a bad one. Special treatment regimens will be necessary to overcome medication dependency," says Andriy Huk.
Psychologists and psychiatrists can help manage severe emotional states. The latter are authorized to prescribe medications according to established diagnoses.
"In 80% of cases, it is possible to manage without medication. Antidepressants are readily available to us, and the principle of word-of-mouth applies: 'a friend said it helped them, so I will try it too,'" the medical professional points out.
The systematic use of medications, including antidepressants, is compared by the coordinator of the Ukrainian Medical Expert Community, Konstantin Nadutyy, to a prosthesis for one of the body's functions.
The need to mitigate negativity during the war is quite acute; people resort to various self-control and emotional management techniques. It can be beneficial to adopt the behavioral style of Buddhist monks and yogis living among people. However, it is worth clarifying that certainly no one among them has lived through a full-scale war. How monks and yogis would cope with such extreme conditions remains unknown.
"The concept of emotional intelligence did not arise by chance. Nevertheless, professional help is necessary for a person if they cannot independently emerge from depressive states," concluded Nadutyy.
Recall that the British tabloid Daily Star previously reported that in a few years, pills that extend human life will emerge. However, only billionaires will be able to purchase them.
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This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that could affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, please consult a specialist.