According to the Global Health Assessment (2019), in 2016, the suicide rate in Ukraine was 22.4 per 100,000 people, while the age-standardized rate was 18.5 per 100,000. Psychologists now believe that long-term stress caused by war is an important factor in this disturbing trend.

Stress can be defined as the body's reaction to uncontrollable and unpredictable threats perceived as life-threatening.

It is an integral biological survival mechanism embedded in our genetic structure. Unlike animals, which experience acute stress in response to immediate danger, humans can endure prolonged (chronic) stress. In this state, the stress response does not subside because the mind is persuasively signalling that the danger is not going away, thus keeping the person in a state of constant alertness.

The American Psychological Association (APA) explains that stress affects various body systems, such as respiratory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, nervous and reproductive systems. The stress response is the result of coordinated actions at all levels of the body. Muscle tension is an automatic response to stress that serves as a protective measure against injuries and pain.

During sudden stress, the muscles tense up instantly and relax as soon as the stressor disappears. However, chronic stress causes prolonged muscle tension, which in turn causes other physical reactions and contributes to the development of stress-related disorders. Such as chronic tension of the muscles of the neck, shoulders and head often leads to headaches and migraines. Work-related stress causes pain in the lower back and arms. In addition, chronic stress can cause inflammation in the coronary arteries and blood circulation in general. What can affect cholesterol levels?

Several methods can be used to manage stress effectively:

1. Practice breathing techniques;
2. Walks in the fresh air;
3. Do sports, especially yoga;
4. Try meditation;
5. Engage in activities that bring joy and satisfaction.
6. Provide yourself with a whole night's sleep;
7. Spend time with animals as it can be therapeutic
8. Develop a regimen with regular exercise, sleep, and hobbies;
9. Read books and watch movies that give relaxation and inspiration;
10. Seek help from a psychologist or mental health professional.