Toronto, ON, March 24, 2025 – Three years of full-scale war in Ukraine have taken a profound toll on boys’ and young men’s mental health, a new study by Plan International has found.

The study, Invisible Wounds: Navigating Mental Health Challenges and Support for Ukrainian Adolescent Boys and Young Men, highlights how the daily struggles of growing up amidst conflict, including anxiety, grief and social isolation, are being exacerbated by the societal expectations on boys and young men in times of war, and the stigma around seeking support for mental health.

This was true for men and boys who have remained in Ukraine, and for refugees from Ukraine in Moldova, Romania and Poland.

The experiences of nearly 200 Ukrainian boys and young men ages 15-25, with whom Plan International and partners spoke across all four countries, show that their struggles remain largely unaddressed, leaving them to navigate the potential trauma of war without the mental health support they need.

The study also highlights how displacement, traditional masculinity norms, and cost are preventing many young men from accessing critical mental health services.

At the same time, they face increasing pressures to take on new responsibilities within their families and communities, often stepping into the role of provider in the absence of fathers or male relatives. The weight of these expectations, coupled with the ongoing instability of war, has left many feeling overwhelmed and unable to seek help.

Societal expectations for Ukrainian adolescents to be tough and self-reliant, combined with historical distrust in mental health services, have led many to suppress their emotions and isolate themselves from their peers.

Despite the challenging circumstances, it is important to highlight that many young people show commendable adaptation capacities and resilience, pursuing their calls with determination in new contexts.

In the words of one 15-year-old interviewed for the study, "They are my problems; I have to solve them by myself".

"Going to a psychologist is not something common here in Ukraine, people perceive this as something strange,” adds a 25-year-old young man.

Most respondents from Ukraine explained that stigma surrounding mental health in their home culture made it difficult to seek specialist care, with nearly half expressing fear of being judged. More than half also acknowledged that they simply did not know what services were available to them.

Additionally, the ongoing war has deepened social tensions between those serving in the military and those who remain civilians. While many men have voluntarily enlisted, others have sought deferments or left the country. This can be particularly difficult to bear for households that have lost members in combat, with grief and frustration escalating societal divides.

Boys and young men from marginalized groups like the Roma community, who often lack official documentation, face additional barriers limiting their access to healthcare and other services.

LGBTQIA+ youth, too, face discrimination, making them particularly reluctant to seek mental health support due to fears of judgment from both peers and professionals.

Without access to specialist support, some adolescents and young men turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use or risk-taking behaviours. Many young men who have fled the country struggle to find a sense of belonging, and both they and those who remain in Ukraine grapple with survivor’s guilt, alongside financial and emotional pressures at home.

“Often, young men themselves may not recognize the struggles they are facing,” said Teofana Cepoi, Research Manager at Plan International Romania. “There is a deeply ingrained belief that they must endure in silence, but these invisible wounds are leading to long-term challenges, not only for them but for their families and communities as well.”

Unaddressed psychological distress can perpetuate cycles of violence and social exclusion. Boys who do not receive support are more likely to withdraw emotionally, struggle in relationships, and, in some cases, engage in harmful behaviours. The consequences extend beyond the individual, threatening the social cohesion of communities already strained by war.

"Mental health problems related to the war provoke aggression, sexual crimes, and violence. Also, depression, alcoholism, and anxiety", explains a mental health professional from Ukraine.

“This is not just an individual tragedy but a collective crisis with long-term consequences for families and communities,” said Cepoi. “We must act now to ensure adolescent boys and young men have access to the mental health support they need to heal, rebuild, and contribute positively to their societies.”

“Plan International calls on governments, humanitarian organizations, and communities to invest in inclusive, gender-responsive mental health and psychosocial support services that are accessible to all — including Ukrainian adolescent boys and young men”, said Sven Coppens, Plan International’s Director of the East and Central Europe Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Response.

“Supporting their mental health is not just about individual well-being; it is essential for building resilient and safer communities. Without proper care, unaddressed trauma and distress can lead to cycles of violence, exclusion, and instability that affect families and entire societies. We need sustained funding to make mental health services easy to access and free from stigma.”

To ensure results, three important criteria must be considered:

1. Public campaigns must challenge harmful stereotypes that discourage boys and men from seeking help, promoting emotional openness and care as strengths for everyone.
2. Adolescent boys and young men must be directly involved in shaping mental health services and programs, ensuring they reflect their real experiences and needs.
3. Finally, mental health professionals must be trained to understand the different barriers faced by young people of all genders, including LGBTQIA+ youth, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities. A coordinated, inclusive, and well-funded response is essential to foster resilience, healing, and lasting recovery.

In 2025, an estimated 12.7 million people in Ukraine will require humanitarian assistance, including 2 million children struggling with unaddressed psychological trauma. Investing in mental health services is essential for fostering resilience and long-term recovery.

The report can be accessed here.

This research has been carried out in collaboration with the Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations for Children (FONPC) as well as Care International UK.

We also extend our gratitude to all individuals and organizations who contributed their time, insights, and support to ensure the success of this research.

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

Visit plancanada.ca for more information.

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