Words from the Zaporuka Foundation

Engaging with teenagers in hospital settings has underscored the profound complexities of multitrauma, particularly when the adversities of war compound the difficulties encountered by those facing serious illnesses.

These young individuals navigate challenges such as enduring physical discomfort, confronting the fears associated with their conditions, undergoing relentless medical interventions, and participating in prolonged, draining treatment regimens.

These experiences alone are substantial sources of emotional and psychological strain. When intertwined with the stressors introduced by the war – such as the perpetual sense of threat, the anxiety of potential attacks, the loss or disruption of a stable home environment, and diminished social connections – the psychological burden on these teenagers intensifies significantly.

The trauma is further complicated by the emotional condition of their parents or caregivers, whose own responses to the war and the child’s illness inevitably affect the overall family dynamic and the child’s mental health. This interconnection adds an additional layer of complexity to the young patient’s experience of trauma.

In response to these multifaceted challenges, the project is committed to not only continuing but also broadening its support initiatives. The goal is to deliver comprehensive, nuanced support tailored to the unique needs of teenagers dealing with multitrauma.

Yaryna, her story…

Yaryna is a 17-year-old girl undergoing cancer treatment. When we first met her in the hospital, she was a shy girl with reddish hair and a very sweet smile. Despite her shyness, she turned out to be very determined and strong. She accepted her diagnosis and the treatment that lay ahead of her. For almost a year, she underwent treatment: chemotherapy, surgery to implant an endoprosthesis in her arm, a period of rehabilitation and recovery, and more chemotherapy. Throughout, she never gave up and believed that she would beat the disease. Before her illness, she dreamed of becoming a police officer, so she took up sport and she is used to setting goals and achieving them. She really needed this quality in her treatment.

Yaryna has three brothers who are her support and best friends. Two of her brothers are currently serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and she is very much looking forward to seeing them. She looks forward to every meeting with them. Yaryna is very mature aware for her age. Unfortunately, her home remained in the occupied territory, so she is really living through two wars. She truly believes that one day she will be able to return home, plant flowers there, and tidy up her room. Despite the long treatment, the girl entered the university to study agronomy.

Psychological support played an important role in her adjustment to hospital life and acceptance of a serious diagnosis. The psychologists’ work focused on helping Yaryna rethink her dreams and goals, as well as teaching her to identify and express her emotions. An important milestone in her emotional development was the realization that every experience has a meaning, and even pain or sadness can contribute to personal growth. Despite her determined nature, she struggled to understand her emotions as an introvert, used to keeping all her feelings inside. In addition, she put a lot of emotional effort into creating the illusion of eternal positivity. Now, Yaryna understands the importance of all emotions and knows how to be genuinely happy and sometimes cry. She also works on her fantasy stories to better understand herself and to release her emotions. The work on the story is extremely important as it gives the girl a deeper understanding of her own experiences and personal transformations. The psychological work with Yaryna included psycho-emotional support, working with emotions, self-image, art therapy techniques and coping skills work.