ANALYSIS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE SYSTEM OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS IN THE USA AND GREAT BRITAIN AND ORGANIZATION OF COMPREHENSIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT MENTAL HEALTH IN THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to identify the main problems in the functioning of the mental healthcare system in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, taking into account the basic principles of the Ukrainian law "On the Mental Healthcare System in Ukraine" (2025) and the experience of Ukrainian clinical psychologists and their American and British counterparts. The article aims to provide a scientific basis for studying the practical experience of providing comprehensive psychological support to veterans of combat operations in the USA and Great Britain. The article critically evaluates the activities of veterans' associations in the United States and charities in the United Kingdom with regard to counselling and treating veterans with mental health issues. An analytical study of the experiences of American and British psychologists has shown that participation in military conflicts, whether long-term (e.g. Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan) or short-term but high-intensity (e.g. the Falklands War), results in an imbalance of the nervous system. This generally leads to a deterioration in mental health, significantly affecting working capacity, combat readiness and subsequent relationships within families and wider society. In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war and its aftermath, the active participation of the public (through volunteer associations and charitable foundations) and the professional activities of clinical psychologists in restoring the mental health of Ukrainian servicemen are becoming particularly relevant. A promising area of research is improving the professional training of clinical psychologists, based on the latest scientific and practical developments by Ukrainian psychologists, as well as their colleagues and partners from leading NATO member countries.