Russian and Ukrainian seafarers continue struggle with psychiatric fallout of war

(Posted on 30/07/25)

Russian and Ukrainian seafarers continue to experience significant psychological strain following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, according to Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS).

The emotional and mental toll of the war extends far beyond national borders, affecting crew members of all ranks and nationalities.

In the early stages of the conflict, most mental health referrals involved Ukrainian crew members, says MHSS, member of OneCare Group. They often presented with symptoms such as acute stress responses, unresolved grief, sleep disturbances, and impaired concentration. However, it now reports a marked increase in stress-related incidents among Russian seafarers in recent months. These cases often involve emotional dysregulation, interpersonal tensions on board, and psychological symptoms that emerge under conditions of sustained moral and emotional pressure.

Clinical Psychologist at MHSS, Alexander Dimitrevich, reports several cases, mostly among Ukrainians, where seafarers have experienced psychotic episodes related to depression and accumulated stress. Over the last six months MHSS has had 12 approaches from companies regarding cases where Russian seafarers were involved and 46 cases where Ukrainian seafarers approached MHSS directly or made contact through their employers.

“There are emotional burdens these seafarers carry that are not always immediately visible,” says Alexander. “Some feel cut off from the world, some struggle with changes in how they are perceived due to their nationality, and many are still processing personal loss and uncertainty about the future. These pressures accumulate and can impair emotional functioning.”

Mr Dimitrevich also added that certain acute symptoms, including dissociative states or psychotic-like episodes, do occur, but these should not be mistaken for chronic psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.

“It is extremely rare for schizophrenia to first develop after the age of 35 without any prior symptoms,” he notes. “What we’re seeing are stress-induced, time-limited reactions that improve significantly with the right psychological support.”

In conversations with Ukrainian seafarers, around 95 per cent said they would find it emotionally difficult to work closely with Russian colleagues. While most said they would act professionally, many acknowledged they would struggle to set aside personal feelings tied to the conflict.

One seafarer faced a painful moral dilemma when a close family member fell seriously ill in their home country. Visiting them risked permanent separation from their immediate family abroad, creating significant emotional conflict.

An ongoing sense of anxiety is also being driven by the uncertainty around when the conflict might end. This ambiguity only adds to the mental toll for many crew members, particularly those already managing personal loss or displacement.

One seafarer, who had to leave a vessel due to secondary grief, engaged in six weeks of counselling and was later able to return to work. This case highlighted the value of early and ongoing mental health support in supporting individuals within their roles.

As the war continues with no clear resolution in sight, MHSS urges maritime stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in recognising psychological distress among their crew — and to provide timely, stigma-free access to support services.