R.: "I had a serious emotional collapse, almost to the point of a breakdown.

Since 2020, I had accumulated so much pain that I almost broke. During the past few months I have not been able to control myself. Emotions overpowered me. I cried several times a day just hearing someone mention Belarus.

Psychologist from the Belarus Women's Foundation Maryna helped to get out of this situation. After 5 days I got back to normal."

N.: "I would like to express special thanks for the psychological help I received. I applied for it less than a month ago and got a very professional advice from your psychologist. She asked all the right questions and shared key techniques that helped me live through difficult situations. Thank you very much! This help is really important and I feel much stronger"

J.: "Good afternoon! I would like to thank your foundation and psychologist Maryna who helped me during the most difficult period in my life. I lived in a refugee camp in Poland. Thanks to psychological support, I was able to cope with difficulties, rent a house and find a job. Maryna is a real professional and a wonderful, sensitive and sympathetic person. Thank you very much for your help!"

L.: "Thank you very much, I will use these techniques. I think they will come in handy more than once. It really made it much easier for me. Thank you very much for your work. You helped me to come to my senses. I feel much better, anxiety has decreased. All the best to you!”

M.: "Friends, I want to thank you for your help! The experience of working with your psychologist was very new for me but it turned out to be really effective, despite the fact that there were only 5 meetings. I felt a lot of warmth and support. My psychologist showed sincere participation in my life and helped me feel like “everything was going to be ok”. There were a lot of tasks for independent work, a lot of interesting thoughts that I wrote down. This experience was very valuable. The work turned out to be very dynamic and productive. Thank you for this opportunity, help and support. I really appreciate it, very high-quality work."

H.: "I want to express my gratitude to the psychologist Anna who helped me cope with certain fears related to the horrors I lived through. And I only needed 1 session! Anna created a calm and comfortable atmosphere for it. Anna was able to help me to open up and answer all my questions. Thanks to the foundation and to Anna for your very valuable work!”

S.: "After all the psychological trauma I experienced, I tried to get back on my feet without any outside help. But when I realized that my condition was worsening and I could no longer eat or sleep, I decided to seek help. Anna worked with me and, despite my anxiety, she  managed to create a comfortable and trusting atmosphere from the first session. Step by step, with Anna’s support and guidance, I managed to get out of the horror, I had been living in for several months, and return to normal life. The techniques that we used in sessions helped me a lot and I will definitely be using them in the future. Huge thanks to Anna and the foundation for giving me a helping hand when it was needed the most."

V.: "Having left your home and being in another country, you try to understand and realize where you are and what happened to you. You feel uncertain and confused, because you hadn’t been prepared for moving to another country. The girls from Belarus Women's Foundation helped me to adapt during this difficult period. I was provided with both psychological and financial assistance, which helped me to settle in a new place. Thanks to everyone who contributes to our common struggle!"

Y.: "I want to thank Vita for the opportunity to get help in a very difficult time in my life. The sessions were filled with professionalism, comfort and understanding. And also, thanks to the Belarus Women's Foundation for the opportunity to get free psychological help!"

- In what cases is it worth contacting a psychologist?

-It doesn't matter if the reason seems to be significant or just a minor one- your actual feelings that’s what matters. If you think that communication with a psychologist can be helpful to you, please do not hesitate to contact us

- What kind of psychological help do you offer?

- Individual consultations and group therapy via video link. In an individual consultation, you talk with a psychologist one-to-one. Group therapy provides an opportunity to share your experience with other women who have suffered from political repression and get their support in return.

- I can't talk about what happened. Does it make sense to seek help of a psychologist?

 -If you feel that you need psychological help but are not ready to talk about a traumatic experience, please do not hesitate to get help anyway. A qualified psychologist will find an individual approach to your situation and will respect your wishes about the aspects that you do not want to discuss.

-Is it safe?

-Group therapy and one-to-one consultations are anonymous and confidential.

- Must I switch on video?

-No, if that's more comfortable for you.

- I don't want to call. Can I chat via chat?

-Yes, you can.

- How to get psychological help?

- Write to us per e-mail: helpline@belaruswomen.org and/or per Telegram chat bot: @BWF_stories_bot. Our psychologists will contact you shortly.