When Olha returned to Ukraine after forced emigration, her life resembled a long chain of losses and exhaustion. She is a 38-year-old solo mother of three children who survived the death of both parents in different years, the loss of her own business, and a “survival” job in a pizzeria. Constant anxiety, fear of recurring panic attacks, unstable sleep, emotional devastation, and feelings of worthlessness were the words the woman used to describe her condition when she came to the NGO Girls for help.
Behind years of external difficulties lay an even deeper story, including childhood trauma, a violent and unstable environment, fear of poverty and hunger, distrust of people, and a constant fear of repeating her mother's fate. The only way for Olha to “numb” the pain was to drink alcohol.
Working with a psychologist became Olha's first safe space after many years of struggle. Together with the specialist, they gradually built trust, learned to name emotions, recognize triggers, find resources, and, most importantly, regain the feeling that life can be controlled. “We created a safety contract, including an agreement to abstain from alcohol. We also worked on dealing with panic attacks and overcoming the feeling of guilt, and practised grounding techniques,” says the psychologist.
Olha got really into the therapy. She kept journals, made lists of automatic thoughts, did different exercises, explored her abilities, resources, and desire for professional fulfillment. She also listened to inspiring audiobooks, took a master class on starting her own business, and learned to talk to her fear. “I don't want to be paralyzed by fear. I want to move on,” Olha told the psychologist. After consulting with a neurologist and psychiatrist, she cautiously began medication treatment.
The woman began to regain her strength during therapy. Olha reconnected with her former business partner, received a new job offer, and began working in two teams at once, not burning out, but learning to distribute her workload instead. She moved into a new, more comfortable apartment, held her first webinars, and continues to abstain from alcohol.
Internal changes took place along with external changes. Olha began to sleep better, felt less anxious, and gradually came out of her depression. She learned to ask for and accept help and became more confident in talking about her own value and capabilities. Social contacts returned to her life, professional ties were restored, new ambitions appeared, and she took her first real steps toward professional fulfillment.
Her internal compass became a phrase she repeated at almost every session, “I want my children to see me happy.”
Today, Olha feels more resilient, energetic, and confident that she can build a new life. She takes care of her health, plans for the future, and opens herself up to new professional opportunities. Olha has recently received an invitation to speak at a conference in Georgia - a step that seemed completely impossible to her just six months ago.
“Her story is an example of how you can get your life back step by step, even through fear. Olha is incredibly hard-working, honest with herself, and capable of great change when she feels supported. Her development is a huge credit to her,” says a psychologist from the NGO Girls.
The assistance is provided within the framework of the project "Capacity building and MHPSS for war-affected Ukrainians," in cooperation with the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy.
