Will we have a future?

Since the 24th of February, life in Ukraine and in the whole of Europe has changed dramatically. Ukrainian cities are being destroyed by russian bombs, with residential neighborhoods, educational institutions, hospitals, churches, and other infrastructural objects being shelled by russian army.

It is banal to say, that the life of every Ukrainian our lives have split before the full-scale invasion and after. Thinking back to a world without russian troops and missiles shooting Ukrainian cities appears impossible and somehow unnecessary.

What’s more impressive, and I think a lot of Ukrainians are experiencing the same, is how our lives now exist on two parallel planets: my day-to-day existence in Germany, enjoying spring, and the war with the atrocities and war crimes and unimaginable levels of suffering. Talking to people from Ukraine also makes me feel like they’re living in two worlds. On one level, they tell you about things I don’t see the point in repeating: you can read all about the horrors of the war if you search Bucha and Irpin or the shelling of the train station in Kramatorsk as it was packed with people waiting to evacuate. While on another level, they’re sharing stories of activism and helping others. Coordinating complex logistics, crowdfunding money to buy military supplies, and delivering food and medicine to people in needs. Unable to put an end to evil in one reality, they’re doing everything they can to save as many people as possible in another.

People lose their family members, others -together with their homes, someone's relatives are out of connection, many people lost jobs, and all - the peaceful life that they were living and enjoying in Ukraine. Everyone who was in Ukraine since the 24th feels the stress of being under air raid sirens.

Various psychological issues arise during the war, that might be connected to and experienced by:

- Victims, who lost family members, whose close people are on the frontline and in the defense.
- People, who experienced a direct threat to their life from russian soldiers, whose home was murdered, who saw direct violence in - their eyes.
- Some citizens experience the feeling when they do not want to leave their homeplace and are willing to die on the native land, they are ready to stay in the dangerous place, risking their lives. A part of them is also volunteering by organizing the help (food and medicines) to people in need. 
- Others- feel bad about leaving their home. Also, some may feel sad that they left the dangerous place and are in safety now, or were at safety in the beginning. A so-called, syndrome of the survivor (Why am I alive?). In these cases, it is hard to enjoy their lives in a peaceful places.
- Some people got anxious from reading the news, also talking with people who flee the war, who experienced a long way to a safe place.
- Moreover, there is a group of people who feel bad because thinking that they do not contribute enough to the victory.
- It could be also the fear of a possible nuclear war, which is addressed by russian propaganda. 

Psychoterapevts suggest to help yourself first to keep mental stability, so later you can help to other people and your country.

The life of all people who lived in Ukraine life is just on hold. Honestly, it is hard to react to how we, Ukrainians are doing. Also, those who met the war in a safe place, did not have a direct experience of fleeing. Because,  Many doubt their future. At the same time, we have to live like never before, because those who die would ask us to do so. It is important to continue living fully in honor of those who will not any longer.

Humanity should understand that war in Ukraine touches everyone and bring an impact on every activity either economical or social on the Earth. We have to stay strong and fight on different fronts, glorifying the heroes of Ukraine. It means, donating, help to those in need, go and organise protests and not staying neutral to actions of violence and brutality... war. Life can not be normal these days. And will never be as it was. Without those innocent, who died.