“I can’t remember the last time I slept peacefully…” — this is how Viktor’s story began when he first stepped into our Hope and Healing Center in Irpin. It was not just a request for help. It was a cry from the soul.

Like many residents of Irpin, Viktor experienced the horrors of occupation. Trapped with his family, they had no food or water, living under constant shelling and in fear for their lives. One day stood out in particular: gunfire rang out right next to them, and it was only thanks to the help of Ukrainian soldiers that his family survived.

The stress tearing him apart from within became the cause of his insomnia. Viktor’s life had turned into a series of sleepless nights and painful memories. Fatigue, lack of energy, memory problems, loss of appetite, and eventually suicidal thoughts became his daily companions. It felt to him like there was no future and that the war had taken everything away.

The turning point came when his son saw an announcement about the Healing of Mind and Body program. Viktor, with no high expectations, decided to give it a try. Throughout eight sessions, he underwent comprehensive psychosomatic therapy based on the Mind-Body Medicine method, which includes practices that help reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and promote overall physical health.

After completing the course, Viktor noted significant changes:
📈 His sleep improved
📈 Fatigue and anxiety faded into the background
📈 Suicidal thoughts disappeared
📈 Most importantly, hope for the future emerged

“Now I think about my children, their future, and how we will live together,” he shared. These were the words of a man who had found himself again after the deep darkness of war.

This story reminds us of the crucial importance of psychological support during war. Thanks to the Comprehensive Psychological Assistance for Children and Families Affected by War program, people like Viktor are given a chance to recover and rebuild their future.

How do you cope with challenges? Do you know someone who needs support?

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Consultations are held as part of the Comprehensive Psychological Assistance for Children and Families Affected by War program, implemented under the USAID project Building a Sustainable Public Health System, supported by PACT. It aims to provide psychological support to internally displaced adults and children who have experienced trauma.