The Connection Between Women's Self-Realization and Mental Health: Aspects of Psychosomatic Well-being

Introduction: this article examines the relationship between self-realization and the psychosomatic health of women in the context of significant external stressors, using the socio-political conditions of Ukraine as a case study. The focus is on women living away from the combat zone who are not direct victims of the war but nevertheless experience its destructive impact.Methods: a phenomenological approach, grounded in the theories of A. Maslow and R. Riff, was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore the context of participants’ experiences. The study group consisted of ten women of different ages and social statuses, including both civilians and military personnel.Results: the findings reveal a complex interaction between external stressors—such as war, economic instability, and patriarchal norms—and internal psychological conditions. These dynamics frequently manifest in psychosomatic symptoms and an increased vulnerability to conditions such as alcohol dependency.Conclusions: women in Ukraine face a considerable burden of gender inequality, exacerbated by the war, which poses a major challenge. Responses to this challenge vary, reflecting the diverse socio-psychological characteristics of Ukrainian society, particularly among women. For some, mental oppression leads to negative feelings such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which, when suppressed for prolonged periods, provoke psychosomatic disorders. Despite these challenges, the research also highlights the extraordinary resilience, agency, and leadership qualities of Ukrainian women who, amid worsening conditions, continue to find ways to act as valuable social leaders.