Healing Warmth: The Story of an "IDP Community Leader" from Kharkiv

Svitlana (name changed) and her husband are retirees whose lives were upended by the war. Forced to flee their home in Sievierodonetsk, Luhansk region, during the first year of the full-scale invasion, the family initially sought refuge in Kremenchuk, Poltava region. However, the crushing uncertainty of the future and the shifting frontlines led them to a pivotal decision: they needed to be close to their son. To stay together as a family, they moved to Kharkiv, where he was studying.

Adapting to life in a new city amid constant air raid sirens, shelling, and the heartbreaking realization that their home might be lost forever took a heavy toll on Svitlana’s psychosocial well-being. What began as natural anxiety gradually deepened into a sense of profound despondency. Refusing to give up, Svitlana decided to take action. She immersed herself in volunteering—assisting various humanitarian foundations with aid distribution, mobilizing other activists, and engaging her peers in community work. For her dedication and organizational skills, she earned the unofficial, honorary title of “IDP Community Leader” among those living alongside her.

Despite her active external life, her internal anxiety remained high. Everything changed when Svitlana learned about a series of psychosocial support (PSS) sessions launching in their collective center, led by psychologist Kateryna Horbunova. She decided to attend a hand-crafted candle-making workshop.

This session, filled with warmth and a supportive atmosphere, proved to be a turning point. According to Svitlana, the experience was incredible, and the psychologist’s approach resonated deeply with her.

“It’s not easy for everyone to open up and speak directly about their fears,” Svitlana shares. “But with Kateryna, it felt so natural. She is incredibly positive and truly radiates that energy to everyone around her.”

Another vital aspect of the session was the sense of community. Svitlana notes that being among people united by shared trauma—the loss of their homes and mental anguish—is profoundly therapeutic.

“Sometimes you walk through the center and it’s completely silent. Everyone is isolated in their corners, alone with their heavy thoughts. But when we gather together, it feels lighter, brighter. You don’t feel so overwhelmed anymore. We need many more initiatives like this,” she says.

Today, Svitlana feels re-energized and ready to continue her mission of helping others in need. Her journey highlights a crucial truth: while community activism is a powerful driver of social change, mental health professionals are the "doctors of the soul." Without professional mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), even the most resilient activists face an uphill battle.

These psychological support groups are organized by Eleos-Ukraine in partnership with LWF Ukraine and with the support of ACT Alliance.