Since May 2024, the GIDNA project has been providing psychological assistance to Ukrainian women who are experiencing an indefinite loss — their relatives went missing during the ongoing war or are in captivity.
During this period, 28 women received more than 200 individual sessions and more than 40 group sessions with qualified therapists.
We received feedback from participants after the therapy course completion, which helped us analyze the project’s results and move in the right direction. We have prepared a report based on the feedback from women.
Therapy impact on the participants’ quality of life
- 100% of women noted an improvement in their general condition and quality of life.
They began to sleep better, pay more attention to their nutrition and health, reduce antidepressant intake or replace them with natural sedatives, and realize the importance of rest.
“I went on a mini-vacation to the Carpathians, for a long time I could not afford it mentally. It gave me strength.”
Karina, 28 years old
- 80% of women have reduced anxiety levels.
The most common emotions that women experience in uncertainty are anxiety, fear, pain, anger, and apathy.
“I’m learning to understand myself. I’ve realized that being afraid in my situation is ok.”
Khrystyna, 24 years old
“ I let out my emotions — started crying more, and my swellings have decreased.”
Olga, 50 years old
- 70% of the participants already assess their emotional state as stable after undergoing therapy.
Women have begun to better understand their emotions and are now unafraid to openly discuss their pain, leading to less frequent outbursts of aggression and irritation.
“I allowed myself to talk about what was bothering me with my sister and grandmother. We cry together. On the therapist’s advice, I keep a diary of emotions.”
Ksenia, 37 years old
- Women who attended group sessions have a higher level of emotional resilience.
“I don’t close myself off like I used to — I started communicating more with others. The women in the group are very supportive, we even started exchanging books in our group. I continue to make trench candles and weave camouflage nets.”
Svitlana, 55 years old
- Some participants noted that they transformed anger into active actions — sports, social activities, work.
“I started doing sports. I signed up for boxing — it helps me reveal my inner anger and hit with all my might. I want to start running too. Group sessions help, women and psychologists there are very supportive.”
Maryna, 23 years old
Expert advice
GIDNA experts advise women who are experiencing an indefinite loss of close ones or are in difficult life situations:
- Be surrounded by like-minded people as often as possible — a community, group therapy, or collective actions to support the Ukrainian military.
- Take care of yourself: get enough rest, focus on nutrition and health, play sports, and do your favorite things.
- Do not be silent about your pain and traumatic experience. Speak up!
- Seek help from a psychologist. GIDNA provides free qualified psychological help.
The analysis is based on the feedback of 12 women participants in the program.
We sincerely thank all the women who participated in the survey, and we are glad that they chose to live their own lives despite the trauma.
