Zelenskyy shows the physical toll that war can take on the body

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Doyle explained to NPR that trauma and stress can cause severe damage to the body. The effects can be seen in sleep, attention, memory, and mood as well as physical appearance.

He says that the Ukrainian people, Zelenskyy in particular, may be experiencing these symptoms because they are fighting against the Russian invasion.

He says, “The important thing about trauma and the body” is that stress reactions hijack all of our normal functions. “The body’s normal functions that keep us focused on our day are temporarily suspended during stressful events and replaced by processes that help us get through it.”

Zelenskyy, as the head of his country, is in an unusual position that could have long-term effects on one’s health.