Japan Psychologist Group Offers Support To Ukrainian Evacuees
More than 1,000 people have evacuated from Ukraine to Japan, since the Russian military operation started.
Some are struggling to adjust to living overseas and are dealing with mental health issues. A group of psychologists in Japan has launched a hotline to help those evacuees.
The Japanese Society of Certificated Clinical Psychologists started offering the service on June 1. People calling the hotline can communicate with the psychologists in Ukrainian, Russian, English or Japanese.
Okumura Mariko is the senior executive director of the group. She explained that the evacuees faced challenges before they arrived in Japan. Many felt that their lives were in danger.
Some were forced to leave loved ones behind in Ukraine.
Okumura also said that the evacuees are facing new difficulties in Japan. They have to adjust to a totally different style of life. Russia's aggression is continuing, and many of the evacuees do not know when they will be able to go home.
The senior executive director added, "Our service cannot do a lot. But, we hope that the evacuees can feel that there is a place where their anxieties are understood."
The hotline is available on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time. The group says a session lasts approximately 30 minutes. People who are providing evacuees with support may also use the hotline. The group says some of them may want to consult with the psychologists. The service is only for people in Japan.
The phone number is 03-3813-9990.