Olesia Ulihanets

Olesia Ulihanets is a resident of Svaliava, a psychologist, an art therapist, the wife of a soldier who defends Ukraine, the mother of two daughters, and expecting a third child. “Inner Support” is what helps me to stay within myself when I feel powerless, confused, anxious, and afraid. In this difficult time, we all need something to lean on in order not to collapse and lose ourselves. Today, it is extremely important to preserve yourself and your inner world with all its diversity, and at the same time not to be ashamed to accept help or seek it yourself when needed – this is what I consider to be a manifestation of inner support. One of the pillars in my life has been the psychological support project “Tree of My Life”. In practice, since the beginning of the war, it has been nourishing and strengthening my faith and hope for the best, reinforcing my mother’s skills to cope and take care of herself, because this is what is extremely important for every woman in hope at this time. Even the mere feeling of “being” with someone is already support and help. Any swinging of emotions now is a deep pit that absorbs the last drops of psycho-emotional resources. To prevent this from happening, I turn to my colleagues who help me, support me, and build my basic knowledge based on my personal values, knowledge, and skills. I would also like to note that the choice to take care of yourself, and your health, take care of your emotional state, and choose life does not mean forgetting about the war, about pain, or about fear. Yes, the reality is very difficult now, yes, many people have different values and choices, yes, it was and it still is. That is why I share my experience, which helps me to stay within the resources, and strengthens my inner support to be able to go through this road and let the future be alive and happy. Take care of yourself and what is really valuable to you.