Air raids, displacement, constant worry for loved ones on the front lines—people in Ukraine face enormous daily stress. In addition to psychotherapeutic and psychiatric treatment, art therapy methods can help strengthen mental health. Here’s how Doctors of the World supports the population in creative ways.
A few drops of essential oils on a cotton ball, placed in a small cloth pouch: what sounds simple is much more for participants in an aromatherapy workshop organized by Doctors of the World in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region. For them, the little pouch is a tool to calm themselves—and with it, a sense of agency and control amid the chaos of war.
“Scents have a direct effect on the human nervous system. Aromatherapy helps reduce stress, improve sleep quality and concentration, and restore emotional balance,” explains Doctors of the World psychologist Alina Shapovalova.
Painting for the Soul
Bringing a baby into the world is full of uncertainties, even in times of peace. The physical and hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy have a significant impact on mental health—and the mother’s well-being directly affects the child. Doctors of the World offers a series of workshops aimed specifically at pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. In one such workshop, participants painted so-called affirmation pictures—landscapes and color compositions in vibrant tones, some featuring positive messages. The workshops provide a space where women can relax and freely express their feelings and creativity.
A Space for Connection
Beyond their positive effects on participants, the art therapy workshops offered by Doctors of the World serve an important social function. They bring together displaced people and long-term residents, allowing them to exchange experiences and support one another. Building these connections strengthens resilience and hope—both of which the people of Ukraine urgently need today.