At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Alina’s family (name changed for safety reasons) was forced to relocate to Germany. The girl’s father, a career serviceman, stayed in Ukraine to defend the country. Alina, her mother, and her younger sister lived abroad for almost a year.
Adapting to life in another country was extremely difficult for Alina. The language barrier, a sudden change of environment, uncertainty, and constant anxiety about her father created a high level of emotional strain.
At school, Alina faced something that is particularly painful during adolescence—rejection. Several classmates allowed themselves offensive jokes and ridicule because of her accent and background. Bullying became a constant backdrop to her everyday life.
Gradually, the girl lost interest in studying, withdrew into herself, and experienced loneliness and helplessness. Periods of emotional exhaustion and low mood came in waves—suddenly and without warning.
An additional emotional shock for Alina was her parents’ divorce. It felt as though the world was collapsing not outside, but inside her.
After returning to Ukraine, Alina faced a new stage of maladjustment: difficulties in learning, conflicts with close family members, a lack of inner support, and a lack of confidence. The expected relief did not come—her condition worsened. The girl felt like a stranger even at home.
Feelings of isolation, being unwanted, and fear of the future accompanied Alina every day. She began to have problems with concentration, her school performance declined, and her relationships with relatives became more strained.
Alina’s mother approached NGO Girls for psychological support. As part of NGO Girls’ activities, the girl began attending individual consultations with a psychologist. This became one of her first steps toward herself—toward understanding that she did not have to cope with difficulties alone.
During the sessions, Alina learned to speak about her feelings, name her emotions, and acknowledge pain that had remained unspoken for a long time. She was referred to a child psychiatrist, which made it possible to select comprehensive support and stabilise her condition. Gradually, motivation began to return, and her inner resources started to recover.
Step by step, the girl returned to life. The changes were almost unnoticeable from the outside, but tangible within: a desire to study appeared, interest in people returned, and her sense of control over her own life was restored.
An important result of this journey was a conscious professional self-determination. After finishing school, Alina chose the profession of a psychologist and enrolled in the Faculty of Psychology. Her personal experience of overcoming difficulties and receiving support became a source of motivation to help others.
Today, Alina is studying at the Faculty of Psychology. And when she is asked about the turning point in her life, she responds: “I realised that I have a reason to live, and that seeking help is not a weakness.”
This story is about inner strength. About believing in a person even when they do not believe in themselves. And about how timely psychological support can change the trajectory of a life.
Assistance is provided within the framework of the project "Provision of protection support for vulnerable IDPs, returnees, and host community women, children and families in North, East and South Ukraine (Priority 2)'' implemented by the NGO Girls with the support of the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts.
Photo: Freepik
Website: https://www.unocha.org/ukraine-humanitarian-fund
