„I wasn’t sure how a stranger, a psychologist, could help, but I knew I couldn’t continue like this”. This is how Daria’s conversation with our specialists began.

Daria, a 34-year-old mother of two teenagers, was forced to flee her home in Kharkiv, Ukraine, because of the war. She sought refuge in Moldova, settling in Balti.

Her new life was incredibly challenging. While she found shelter, the lack of stable income and the high cost of living made each day a struggle for survival. Social assistance didn’t cover all her expenses, and the pressure to provide for her children became overwhelming. Adding to this were the difficulties of integrating into a new country, social isolation, and the immense responsibility of managing everything alone.

Her two children were deeply affected by the sudden upheaval. They lost friends and a stable home and were forced to adapt to a completely new environment during a critical period. Daria, meanwhile, felt trapped in a cycle of worry and stress. „В определенный момент ни успокоительные препараты, ни логические доводы и самобичевание, ни жаление себя, не помогали мне справится самой с этим комом всевозможных стрессов и бед, дрожащими руками, постоянным чувством тревоги и безнадегой” (“I reached a point where neither medication, nor logic, nor self-blame, nor self-pity could help me cope with the overwhelming stress and hardship. My hands trembled constantly, and I felt persistent anxiety and hopelessness”), she confides.

Sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and family tensions pushed her to the brink of depression. Leaving the house became a monumental effort, and her relationship with her children was deteriorating.

In desperation, Daria sought help. „Я, не совсем понимала, чем мне может помочь чужой человек, психолог, но необходимость помощи тоже уже осознавала и нужна была хоть какая-то надежда и поддержка. Вот в таком состоянии я пришла в организацию CASMED” (“I wasn’t sure how a stranger, a psychologist, could help, but I knew I couldn’t continue like this. I needed to talk to someone, to be heard”). This led her to the “CASMED” Public Association, where she found not only psychological support but also a community ready to help.

During counseling sessions, psychologist Ana Antipova helped Daria break down her overwhelming problems into smaller, more manageable parts. Through structured techniques, Daria discovered inner resources she didn’t know she had, resources that could help her move forward. „Никогда бы не подумала, что на меня подействуют позитивно некоторые методы, но я очень довольна и процессом и результатом. Я наконец-то выговорилась и стало намного легче. Во время наших встреч с психологом я научилась смотреть на свою ситуацию со стороны, не углубляясь в эмоциональные переживания” (“I began to realize I have strength within me, that I can regain my confidence. I never thought these techniques would work, but they’ve helped me immensely”)

A crucial part of her journey was rebuilding her relationship with her children. Working with the specialist, Daria learned to manage conflicts more calmly and solve problems effectively. The atmosphere at home changed dramatically, and her children began to feel safe again.

As her anxiety lessened, Daria regained energy and motivation. She was encouraged to take a professional training course, and with CASMED’s support, she found the courage to look for a job.

„В результате ситуация перестала видится мне такой ужасной, в доме стало тише и спокойнее, я пошла на курсы профподготовки и решилась на поиски работы” („As a result, the situation no longer seemed so terrible to me, the house became quieter and calmer, I went to professional training courses and decided to look for a job”).

Today, Daria has a job that provides financial stability and the satisfaction of helping others in need. She’s created a more balanced routine for herself and her children, and her sense of helplessness has been replaced by hope.

„У меня появились внутренние ресурсы и силы, я нашла работу, которая также позволяет мне помогать людям. И когда я сталкиваюсь с какими-либо трудностями, я уже знаю, что есть место, куда я могу прийти за поддержкой, и есть люди, профессионалы своего дела, которым можно доверить решение своих проблем” („I have discovered inner resources and strength, I have found a job that also allows me to help other people. And when I encounter any difficulties, I already know that there is a place where I can come for support, and there are people, professionals in their field, to whom I can entrust the solution of my problems”).

Daria’s story demonstrates that no matter how difficult life seems, with the right support and determination, anyone can find a way forward. CASMED provided Daria not just emotional support, but a real chance at a new beginning. She has learned to believe in her strength and is now building a better future for herself and her children.

Daria is just one of the thousands of people who have benefited from psychological counseling through the “Psychosocial Support for Ukrainian Refugees” project, implemented by the “CASMED” Public Association with the financial support of JOHANNITER.

The „CASMED” NGO, with three years of experience in providing psychological services, has been constantly dedicated to improving the well-being of its beneficiaries. During this period, we have accumulated vast experience in providing counseling and psychological therapy, tailored to the individual needs of each person. Our team of qualified psychologists uses the latest techniques and approaches to help beneficiaries overcome difficulties and develop their full potential.

At the personal request of the heroine in this article, her name has been changed.