"We are moving forward together": how Mariia and Serhii support each other in the war

Mariia and her husband Serhii live in a village near Bohodukhiv, Kharkiv region. Serhii has partial paralysis on the left side of his body, therefore mobility challenges. Mariia supports Serhii around the clock.  

Their days follow a clear rythm: medication, mobility exercises, rest, and time outdoors. Mariia takes care of Serhii, combining what she has learned from health professionals with what she has learned by herself.

“He can’t just lie around,” she says. “Every day, we work together. Even an hour of movement matters.”  

While Serhii has been receiving rehabilitation support from HI specialists, the mental health component has also made a profound difference for both of them. Mariia began attending psychosocial support sessions provided by HI psychologist Liza.  

“I knew I needed help,” Mariia says. “I was with him around the clock. It was exhausting, and I felt like I was starting to fall apart emotionally.”  

HI’s mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in Ukraine are designed to reach individuals in conflict-affected areas - especially where access to healthcare remains limited. According to a recent REACH assessment, 63% of surveyed households report experiencing at least one mental health challenge, while stigma and lack of services continue to prevent many people from seeking support. In Maria's case, the opportunity to speak openly and learn practical coping techniques have affected her positively.  

“Liza showed me how to calm down, how to pause, breathe, and manage my frustration,” Mariia recalls. “She gave me simple tools I could use when things felt overwhelming. They helped me find balance again.”  

Among the techniques that resonated most were breathing exercises and grounding practices, including one where she names objects in her surroundings to ease anxiety.

“Some exercises work better than others, but I always try. I’m learning to take care of myself.”  

In Ukraine, stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to effective care. According to the United Nations, many people with mental health conditions face societal stigma, which discourages them from seeking the support they need.  

This was the case for Serhii. He experienced anxiety and emotional distress but was initially reluctant to seek psychological support. With encouragement from his wife Mariia, Serhii began to engage in mental health sessions from HI. Through these sessions, he learned coping techniques that helped him manage his anxiety and regain a sense of control.  

“Mariia has become more confident and calm,” Liza notes. “Their relationship has grown stronger, and Serhii has started to engage more. Supporting the caregiver is just as important as supporting the person receiving care, especially in long-term recovery.”, explains Liza, HI’s psychologist.  

Serhii now moves more independently, uses a wheelchair confidently, and is learning to walk short distances with a tripod cane. Their grandchildren often visit them, bringing energy and encouragement, and the family continues to look ahead together.  

“We’re not alone anymore,” Mariia says. “Thanks to the support we’ve received, we’re moving forward, step by step.”  

With support from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) thanks to collaboration with Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Humanity & Inclusion is delivering mental health and psychosocial support and rehabilitation services to people affected by the war in Ukraine.