The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation continues a cycle of “on air” broadcastings on psychological support to the residents of Donbass. Online streaming and webinars are held within the “Civilian Voices. Museum of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation” project at the digital platforms of the Foundation. Viewers have a chance to ask professionals questions that concern them most of all.
In which way the constant stress, anxiety, a trauma caused by war or the COVID-19 pandemic affect the pace of life of the Donbass residents? How to keep control over the situation and move forward? To these and many other questions from the viewers gave replies a certified gestalt therapist, family psychologist, Yekaterina Vepro.
– Anxiety, stress and constant threat to life definitely have a negative effect on the psychological condition of civilians in Donbass. This effect is only getting bigger with time, mainly it affects the pace of their life. However, monotonous and ordinary things at the surface could be a stimulus to move forward. For example, it`s rather beneficial for people who live along the border line, particularly in rural areas, to continue their ordinarily farming and harvesting, feeding animals, doing all work about the house and communicating with each other. Actually do what they got used to do before the war started, – the expert said.
Yekaterina Vepro also shared simple pieces of advice that will help people to get on with the pace of life and keep control over the situation.
– For the first, it is very important to make planning. Everyone need have a clear understanding of want they would like to do in the nearest future and not postpone it for unknown time. For the second, it goes even without saying, a good repose. For the third, sometimes we should slow down our ordinary pace and look at trifle things that will make us smile. Let`s say, it is crucial to keep such balance, – said the psychologist.
To estimate whether you require a psychological help, take a test at the website of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation: akhmetovfoundation.org/ru/test/nuzhna-ly-vam-psyhologycheskaya-pomosch.
Also, you can contact the psychology experts of the Foundation by calling the hotline: 0800509001.
The unique Museum of Civilian Voices of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation is a safe, trustworthy space where the residents of Donbass can share their tragic stories for the sake of future and peace. You can read the stories of people from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, and post your own story here: https://civilvoicesmuseum.org/ru/stories.