Seeking psychological help is not weakness — it’s a step toward yourself

“After returning from service, you’re left alone with your emotions, memories, and experiences. The world around you seems the same, but inside — everything has changed. It’s hard to talk about what you’ve been through, and even harder to find someone who truly understands.”

Daria Halka is a veteran and senior combat medic who walked the path from the front line to owning her own massage studio in Kyiv. But this journey did not begin with a business plan — it began with an acknowledgment: you can’t deal with the psychological consequences of war on your own.

PTSD, flashbacks, apathy, guilt, sleeplessness, indifference to life — all of it became part of her post-service reality.

“I was diagnosed with PTSD — constant flashbacks, insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks. Guilt, apathy toward everything that once brought joy, depression, a sharpened sense of justice. It’s difficult to communicate with civilians; it feels like no one understands. Life after service turned out to be no less difficult than the war itself. For a long time, I tried to cope on my own. Asking for help felt like admitting weakness. But over time I noticed indifference to everything, constant tension, and that I was snapping at people. That’s when I decided to reach out.”

Then came a long and demanding process of rehabilitation and recovery. Professional support helped her rediscover meaning, reconnect with herself, and start anew.

“I went to rehabilitation centers, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists. The best place and specialists I found were at the Lisova Polyana Center for Mental Health and Rehabilitation. I worked with a wonderful psychologist, Nataliia, whose support helped me regain faith in myself, see life differently, and find new purpose.”

She recalls her time at the center with deep warmth.

“It’s not just a medical facility — it’s a place you want to come back to. They heal not only the body but also the soul. Whenever things get hard, I return to Lisova Polyana. The people there are exceptional — sincere, attentive, caring. I especially want to thank the medical director, Nataliia Tomivna — a woman with a truly big heart. You can come to her with any question, and she’ll always find a solution.”

Daria decided not to return to Bakhmut but to rebuild her life in Kyiv.

“I studied massage for six months, attended courses and conferences. Then I joined an IOM project, presented my business plan, and opened my own studio. My life turned upside down — in the best possible way.”

Later, she earned a second degree in psychology and has now become the one who helps others.

“I want to support my fellow veterans — to be there for them in their hardest moments.”

Today Daria firmly believes that seeking psychological help is a step toward oneself — a vital one.

“I believe that reaching out to professionals is not weakness, but strength — an act of self-care. Psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists can help you find a way out of a difficult situation. Even a single consultation can spark change. The main thing is not to stay alone with your pain.”

She has learned that it’s essential to speak about your inner state, worries, and emotions — silence is not an option.

“Serving is a huge challenge, but returning to civilian life is even harder. Psychological struggles are a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances. Talking about them means giving yourself a chance — for help, healing, and a new life.”

Share this story with those who are struggling.
You can help someone take their first step.

The project “Insight and Unity” is implemented by Ukrainian Women Veteran Movement within the GIZ project “Gender-sensitive approaches to mental health and psychosocial support in Ukraine,” financed by the Government of Germany.