October 10 marks World Mental Health Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, overcoming stigma, and drawing attention to the needs of people whose lives are affected by stress and trauma. 

In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and large-scale displacement, this topic has become even more urgent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 46% of Ukrainians report a deterioration in their mental well-being compared to the pre-war period, and 41% have symptoms of mental health disorders. 

Scientific studies among migrants and people affected by war show increased levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic symptoms, and psychosomatic reactions. 

Particularly vulnerable are people with chronic illnesses and those living with HIV — as they face not only the losses, uncertainty, and stress of migration but also additional barriers related to access to healthcare, ongoing treatment, and fears of stigma or discrimination based on health status or community affiliation. 

To address these challenges, free psychological support in Ukrainian is now available for Ukrainians in Germany who are living with HIV or belong to key communities. This initiative is provided through the National HIV/AIDS Hotline in cooperation with partner organizations in Germany.
Services include online video consultations with qualified psychologists and psychotherapists on a secure platform — free of charge, confidential, and culturally sensitive. 

How to access psychological support: 

• Fill out a short form “Request for psychological counseling” at https://hiv.helpme.com.ua.
  A psychologist will contact you to schedule your first session. 

• Contact the National HIV/AIDS Hotline:
  • Visit saapf.kiev.ua and order a free callback → click “Замовити дзвінок” (Order a call), enter your phone number in international format (without the plus sign), and press “Call me”.
  • Or call directly: +380 44 290 40 89 (for international calls) or +380 93 023 82 43 (additional number for convenience).
  (Calls are charged according to your operator’s rates.) 

The Hotline also provides 24/7 consultations in Ukrainian about referrals to medical and social services across Germany. 

You can also write in the chat on helpme.com.ua, mentioning that you are in Germany and need psychological support. 

These services are part of the project  “IT solution for informational and consultative support for referral to local systems of medical and social assistance for HIV-positive Ukrainians and HIV-vulnerable groups in Germany”,  implemented jointly by DAH, 100% Life.Germany, and the National HIV Hotline, with support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.