Yuri, 88, recalls fleeing Ukraine amid chaos. In Moldova, he finds refuge at a community mental health center in Chișinău, engaging in activities to cope with his emotions and loneliness. “I feel good here, but everything is new,” he shares. Despite enjoying his time there, Yuri struggles to form friendships, attributing it to his age.
The ongoing attacks on Ukraine continue to ravage civilian infrastructure.
Nearby, Ana, 73, sits with her friend Alla, 79. Originally from Moldova, Ana lived in Odessa, working as a university cleaner before the conflict. She cherished her job, having supported her mother as a child. When war erupted, her family urged her to return to Chișinău. Though reunited with loved ones, Ana battled sadness and anxiety until she embraced counseling.
Admitted in July 2023 with severe anxiety and insomnia, Ana improved through counseling, art therapy, walks, and group activities. “I found my home here,” she declares, now unafraid.
At the center, Marharyta, 25, known as Margo, has struggled with eating disorders since 15. Originally from Ukraine, she moved to Moldova a year ago. When her condition deteriorated, she sought help. In Ukraine, she studied applied mathematics and worked as a teacher and analyst, but the war forced her to leave her family and job, casting uncertainty over her future. “I never wanted to ask for help, thinking I was strong enough,” she admits. The Chișinău center provides her a safe space to share and receive support.
Since February 2022, Moldova has seen thousands of Ukrainians seeking safety. Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Arkady Astrakhan, director of the Chișinău Community Mental Health Center, noted authorities’ efforts to coordinate responses, including mental health services. Since 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has supported the center with specialized mental health services for Ukrainians, like mobile teams, counseling, social activities, art therapy, housing, and a drug treatment program. IOM covers nearly 90% of these services, addressing complex needs while training staff in burnout prevention.
Despite new measures, serious gaps remain for those with chronic mental health issues, says Astrakhan. IOM’s role is crucial and meaningful in supporting people with complex needs. An hour from Chișinău, IOM’s renovated center in Orhei offers tailored support for serious mental health problems.
Since the war began, 1,080 Ukrainians in Moldova have received specialized support from IOM, connected through peer-to-peer initiatives and health mediators. In Moldova, resilience thrives in various forms—small conversations for Yuri, therapy sessions for others, and the reassurance of nearby support. Their stories show that in the shadow of war, healing is possible.
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