The village of Novoselivka is approximately 20 kilometers from the front line in eastern Ukraine. Since the beginning of the conflict in Donetsk oblast, the village has endured ongoing hostilities, instability and economic hardship. The prolonged war has taken a devastating toll on the local population, resulting in thousands of lives lost and forcing many families to flee their homes. Reports indicate that more than 13,000 people have died due to the conflict, while approximately 1.5 million have been displaced, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The economic situation remains dire, with high unemployment, inflation and declining incomes severely affecting residents’ well-being. Access to healthcare services, particularly mental health support, is extremely limited in remote areas like Novoselivka. Psychiatric hospitals and specialized care facilities are often out of reach, leaving vulnerable people without essential treatment and support.
Despite these hardships, the local community continues to persevere, relying on mutual support and resilience. However, the ongoing instability significantly threatens their safety and well-being. Ensuring access to medical care, psychological support, and basic necessities remains critical for the survival of those living in conflict-affected areas like Novoselivka.
With generous support from the European Union, International Medical Corps provides mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services to conflict-affected communities in Ukraine.
Nina, a 68-year-old resident of the picturesque village of Novoselivka in Donetsk oblast, was always known for her cheerfulness and optimism. However, the war has shattered her peaceful life. The sounds of explosions, the destruction around her and the loss of loved ones turned her world into a nightmare. Fear, anxiety and helplessness became a constant presence in her life.
At first, Nina tried to cope on her own, but over time, her condition worsened. She lost her appetite, her sleep became restless, and memories of the horrors she had endured haunted her even in her dreams. Realizing that she needed help, Nina reached out to Alina Pypina, an MHPSS Worker with International Medical Corps.
International Medical Corps has been providing MHPSS services in conflict-affected areas of Ukraine to ensure that people struggling with trauma and distress receive the care they need. Since early 2023, an International Medical Corps mobile medical unit—which includes a family doctor and nurse and often a psychologist and social worker, depending on needs and requests where they are going—has been operating in the Lyman hromada (territorial community) of Donetsk oblast, offering essential psychological and medical support.
When Nina met with Alina Pypina, she received emotional support and a safe space to share her experiences. Alina reassured Nina that her symptoms were a natural response to prolonged stress and trauma. She introduced her to several techniques to help regain control of her emotions and restore her mental well-being.
One of the first steps was practicing deep breathing exercises, which helped Nina calm her nervous system and reduce anxiety. Alina also taught her grounding techniques to return to the “here and now,” minimizing the distress caused by traumatic memories. To address the physical symptoms of stress, Nina learned relaxation techniques to ease muscle tension. Writing in a diary became another valuable tool, allowing her to process her thoughts and emotions more clearly. Additionally, she gradually worked through her traumatic memories using structured techniques designed to lessen their emotional impact.
Beyond individual coping strategies, Alina encouraged Nina to connect with others who had faced similar experiences. Finding a sense of community and shared understanding helped her feel less alone in her struggles. While Nina’s recovery was a testament to her resilience, the work of MHPSS professionals in conflict zones comes with significant challenges.
“One of the biggest difficulties we face is emotional burnout, as we work with people who have suffered deep trauma, lost loved ones, their homes and their stability,” explains Alina. “It can be hard to stay strong when listening to heartbreaking stories. Another challenge is overcoming the skepticism of those who have never sought psychosocial support before and doubt whether it can truly help them.”
Over time, Nina began to notice positive changes. Her sleep improved, her appetite returned and her anxiety lessened. She learned to manage her emotions and find moments of calm even in difficult situations.
”Fear and anxiety became part of my daily life, and the memories of devastation and loss never left me,” said Nina. “It was hard to ask for help, but thanks to the support I received, I learned how to relieve stress and reclaim my life. Step by step, I found ways to cope, and for that, I am truly grateful.”
Nina’s experience underscores the importance of psychosocial support in times of crisis. She realized that mental health care is just as crucial as medical treatment. Thanks to the dedication of the International Medical Corps team, she restored her well-being and regained stability in her life. Her story is a testament to the power of support, resilience and the vital impact of MHPSS interventions in conflict-affected communities.
