“Mom, I’m afraid to fall asleep…” These were the words Tetiana heard from her 13-year-old daughter, Darynka, almost every evening for several months. The war had turned their lives upside down. Darynka became withdrawn and anxious, feared loud noises, and drew pictures that sent chills down her mother’s spine.

These issues didn’t appear out of nowhere. The family had spent nearly a month in war-torn Irpin under constant shelling. When a shell damaged their home, they were forced to flee to a safer location. But even after returning home, the painful memories of what they had endured lingered. On top of this, Darynka entered adolescence—a challenging time for any child. She stopped talking to her peers, lost interest in studying, and couldn’t sleep properly because of recurring nightmares. Exhausted, she would only manage to fall asleep in the early morning hours.

Tetiana knew they couldn’t handle this alone, so she contacted psychologist Nataliia Klymchuk at our Hope and Healing Center.

Nataliia began with a comprehensive assessment—listening to Darynka, analyzing her condition, and developing a personalized care plan. Art therapy became the bridge that brought Darynka back to life. Through her drawings, she began to express her fears and anxieties. Gradually, Nataliia helped her restore healthy sleep patterns, overcome her isolation, and taught her self-soothing techniques.

Darynka’s parents underwent a transformation as well. During counseling sessions, they learned to understand their daughter better, truly listen to her, and avoid imposing their solutions. The family dynamic improved, conflicts decreased, and Darynka began to feel supported and safe.

Today, Darynka is unrecognizable. She is confident, open, and calm in stressful situations. Most importantly, she no longer fears falling asleep. Darynka has even started teaching her peers breathing techniques that help her manage her emotions. Yet, the most precious part of this story is her radiant smile—a testament to the fact that, together, we can restore childhood to all children affected by war.

If your family is facing similar challenges, don’t hesitate to seek support. Together, we can bring joy back into life, even after the darkest times.
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These sessions are part of the Comprehensive Psychological Support for Children and Families Affected by War program, implemented under the USAID Ukraine Building a Sustainable Public Health System project with the support of Pact. The program provides psychological assistance to internally displaced adults and children who have experienced trauma.