The Case for Peer-Support in Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Ukrainian Refugees in Europe.

Since the escalation of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, more than six million Ukrainians have sought refuge across Europe, facing significant psychosocial strain. Disrupted social networks, family separation, economic uncertainty, and barriers to services contribute to elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, particularly among women and single mothers who constitute the majority of refugees. Despite host countries' efforts to provide protection and basic services, access to mental health care remains limited due to overstretched systems, language barriers, bureaucratic hurdles, and culturally incongruent care models. While several psychological interventions have been proposed, their scalability and accessibility remain constrained. This commentary argues that peer support represents a promising yet underutilized complement to existing mental health responses. Grounded in shared lived experience, peer-led approaches can foster social connection, emotional validation, and practical guidance while helping to reduce some barriers to formal care. Integrating structured peer-support programs into mental health strategies may help address service gaps and strengthen resilience among Ukrainian refugees in Europe.