Mastered communicating nonverbally through eye contact: How SES psychologists bring comfort in the midst of tragedy

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine employs 128 psychologists who play a critical role in the aftermath of hostile attacks. They assist Ukrainians—both adults and children—in managing fear, emotional distress, and anxiety. SES specialists offer immediate psychological aid to victims nationwide, support families during the identification of bodies, and provide guidance during evacuation efforts.

The topic was explored during a discussion at the Media Center Ukraine, where Ivanna Davydenko, Chief Specialist of the Psychological Support Division, SES of Ukraine, shared insights into the team’s operations.

“When psychologists arrive at the scene of a tragedy, they must quickly assess the situation and determine the appropriate response strategy. While the event may be the same, each person reacts differently—some cry, others exhibit anxiety or nervous tremors, and some fall into a stupor. Our specialists are trained to identify and address each of these emotional states, following specific protocols for intervention. SES psychologists often work in small teams, coordinating seamlessly even in high-pressure scenarios. “If there are numerous victims, our psychologists communicate nonverbally, often using eye contact to signal which individual they are supporting,” Davydenko noted.

According to her, individuals who appear unusually calm in emergencies often require immediate attention. “This state of stupor is particularly tricky and therefore dangerous because the person becomes unresponsive—they don’t hear, see, or feel anything. Left unchecked, it can lead to severe consequences,” she said. “In contrast, crying or shouting indicates that the individual is processing their emotions, making it easier for them to cope with stress. That’s why our psychologists prioritize assessing who needs help first before crafting an assistance plan.”

Davydenko also highlighted the challenging role psychologists play during the identification of bodies or body fragments. Their presence helps relatives of the deceased manage overwhelming emotions and navigate their grief.

“Psychological support during these moments is as vital as physical first aid. When we feel unwell, we call a doctor. Similarly, during moments of emotional crisis, psychologists provide urgent care to stabilize the person,” she explained.

SES psychologists at the scene of a tragedy are trained not only to offer immediate support but also to identify cases where medical intervention is required, recommending hospitalization when necessary. Beyond offering psychological assistance, they observe individuals closely, assessing which behaviors are typical and identifying signs of abnormal responses, distinguishing signs of deeper psychological distress. In such cases, they collaborate with medical personnel on-site to ensure appropriate medical intervention.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news