On 1 May, Mental Health Awareness Month began in Ukraine and around the world — an initiative launched in 1949 in the United States by the non-governmental organization Mental Health America to reduce the stigma around mental well-being and to encourage prevention.
In Ukraine, the initiative runs under a call to find your own meanings, which serve as inner sources of support in times of trial: “How are you? Meanings are close by. Find yours on the howareu.com platform.” These meanings, written as warm and supportive messages, have been collected in “SensoTeka. How are you?” by the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program “How are you?”, an initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska, together with psychologist Svitlana Roiz.
Meanings are what give us perspective and support even in times of uncertainty. They shape the path to the future and at the same time become a source of support in the present — they do not just point the way, they fill it with purpose.
The latest “How are you?” sociological survey showed that more than a third of Ukrainians are overcome by disappointment (39%) and powerlessness (35%). These emotions arise where expectations do not match reality. Fatigue (59%) and tension (61%) affect a person’s ability to stay connected to their own values. The steady rise in fatigue over three years of research shows that in moments of exhaustion it is important not only to learn to support yourself but also to remember your meanings.
Since 1 May, new meanings have appeared every day on the home page of the “How are you?” platform — warm, supportive messages that lead from reflection to action (the full list is available here). All the meanings come with recommendations on caring for your mental health and building resilience.