Mindfulness-SOS for Ukrainian Refugees: Trauma Relief

What Is Mindfulness-SOS for Ukrainians?

Mindfulness-SOS for Ukrainians is a digital mindfulness program specifically designed to help Ukrainian refugees recover from trauma and displacement. This evidence-based mental health intervention focuses on building resilience, trust, and compassion through guided mindfulness practices.

Key Benefits of the Program

• Helps refugees regain a felt sense of safety
• Provides trauma-sensitive mindfulness exercises
• Reduces stigma around mental health struggles
• Cultivates resilience and emotional recovery

Who Developed This Program?

The program was created by Dr. Amit Bernstein, a clinical psychology professor at the University of Haifa, in collaboration with:
- Ukrainian refugee communities
- Global Empowerment Mission
- Pandemic of Love
- SmartAID
- Ukrainian Mindful Awareness Project
- Mindful.org

Why Mindfulness Helps Refugees

Research shows that displaced populations face high rates of trauma and stress-related disorders. Mindfulness-SOS addresses this by:
1. Offering short, accessible practices (5-15 minutes)
2. Incorporating culturally adapted content (translated by Ukrainians)
3. Using loving-kindness meditation to combat isolation

"Mindfulness-SOS builds on people's innate capacity to recover—it's about empowering resilience through practice." — Dr. Amit Bernstein

How the Program Works

The intervention includes:
- Focused awareness exercises
- Compassion meditation
- Progress tracking to measure mental health improvements

How to Access Mindfulness-SOS

Ukrainian refugees and aid workers can:
- Scan QR codes at refugee centers
- Visit momentsofrefuge.com
- Connect through partner NGOs

Future Developments

The team plans to:
- Expand to frontline volunteers (addressing burnout)
- Create community-led safe spaces for practice
- Continuously improve based on user feedback

The Science Behind Mindfulness for Trauma

Studies show mindfulness helps by:
- Reducing hypervigilance (common in PTSD)
- Improving emotional regulation
- Strengthening sense of agency

How You Can Help

Support this initiative by:
- Sharing the program with affected communities
- Donating to partner organizations
- Volunteering as a mindfulness facilitator

For more resources, explore these related practices:
- 12-Minute Meditation for Heart Expansion
- Mindfulness for Refugee Support