How this platform is providing Ukrainian workers with mental health support

As the political unrest between Russia and Ukraine persists, employers with workforces abroad are struggling to find ways to support their employees any way they can — starting with their mental health.

Virtual mental health resource Sesh has partnered with global companies BigCommerce, Bravado.co, Zencastr and Virtasant to provide Ukraine-based employees with full access to the platform’s virtual mental health group support sessions free of charge, according to the company. 

“We had received a lot of interest from employers about providing resources that are specifically supporting [their Ukrainian workers],” says Vittoria Bergeron, CEO and founder of Sesh, a virtual therapy session app available to workers as an employer-provided benefit. “Because there's really not many places that are therapist-led, safe community spaces where individuals of different backgrounds can come together, find connection, share insights and really lift each other up.” 

Read More: What Ukrainian workers face as the Russian invasion continues — and how this employer is trying to help

In the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “special military operation” in Eastern Ukraine on February 24 — which has since displaced nearly 13 million people – Sesh began offering Ukrainian users sessions that focus on war and conflict and the anxiety surrounding those topics. The platform is also in the process of recruiting Ukrainian-speaking therapists to provide further accessibility for those in need.

“Two months ago, the world turned upside down for our Ukrainian employees,” says Sahil Mansuri, CEO of Bravado, a professional network for salespeople currently utilizing Sesh’s services. “When Russia invaded their hometowns, they were forced to flee, fearing for their safety and that of their families. We desperately wanted to support each of these individuals in whatever they and their families needed [whether it was] financial support, time-off, relocation assistance or mental health resources.” 

Read More: Employees are still traumatized by COVID and are at risk for mental health issues

Seventy percent of Sesh members participate in virtual-only group support, according to the company. Sixty-four percent use the platform to connect with others who share similar cultural backgrounds — a very resourceful tool for Ukrainian employees who are currently experiencing isolation and loneliness at higher rates than the average employee. 

“Isolation and loneliness are two of the biggest reasons why people seek professionally led mental health,” Bergeron says. “But it’s something that groups can combat using insights and community and support that you receive from others in your shoes.”