Maria Ivashchenko’s world shattered when her husband, Pavlo, died fighting Russian invaders in 2022. She’s among hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who’ve lost loved ones in the ongoing conflict.
Maria joined “Alive. True Love Stories,” a volunteer-led art therapy project to cope with her grief. Alongside other widows and mothers of fallen fighters, she finds solace in painting and sharing stories of love.
Founder Olena Sokalska says over 250 women have participated, with 3,000 more on the waiting list. The paintings often depict cherished memories, dreams, and angels, symbolizing the transition to a new life.
Ukrainian psychotherapist Anna Stativka explains that war disrupts basic human needs, causing stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Research suggests that there are 54% of Ukrainians experience PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Severe anxiety affects 21% of people, 18% face high stress levels 27% feel depressed or sad.
A mental health campaigner, Stephen Fry praises Ukraine’s openness: “It’s extraordinary… a strength of Ukraine.”
Ukrainian society has come together amid trauma, showing increased empathy and trust. Maria Ivashchenko’s message to those struggling is:
“Don’t be afraid to talk. Get out of your bubble. Don’t be alone… Our husbands didn’t go to war so we can sit around crying, but so we keep moving on, so we keep living.”