Anxiety — is only a part of us and we can definitely influence and control this condition. Psychologists from children's spaces working within the PROMESSA project: "Pearl" — in Novovodolazka, "Kryla" — in Zlatopilska, "Zherelo" in Tomakivska communities, help children of all ages cope with anxiety. The spaces provide all the conditions for comprehensive psychosocial care and support for children from 4 to 17 years old.
Anxiety in children — is a natural reaction to stress, expressed through fear, uncertainty or anticipation of danger. It often manifests itself due to somatic symptoms (abdominal pain, head), sleep disorders, irritability, decreased concentration, avoiding frightening situations, excessive shyness or tearfulness.
"The topic of anxiety now resonates a lot with teenagers, and I conduct a series of classes where I use the image of anxiety from the cartoon "Thoughts inside out-2", because that's how you can talk about complex things without moralism and fear", emphasizes Nataliya Atanasova, a psychologist from the children's space "Pearl". According to her, children aged 9-13 already understand metaphors well, but still need visuality and play.
These classes are not "about the problem", but about how anxiety works when it helps. And at the same time, children explore the process when anxiety begins to control them and how to regain control. In classes, they learn to listen to themselves and determine their feelings, draw, communicate. Specialists use emotional stabilization techniques at every class in all children's spaces.
Carpenter Anna (10 years old), who visits the space of "Wings", says that thanks to classes in the space, she comes home in a good mood and does not feel anxious.
And 11-year-old Vyacheslav is attracted by the fact that he can talk about his experiences without fear, that there is always an atmosphere of mutual support and understanding in the space.
Maria Krepak (10 years old), who visits the "Source" space, says that meetings with psychologists help her better understand her own emotions and gradually release tension. Thanks to the space in the girl's life - more smiles, positive emotions, and moments for which I want to thank.
The project "PROMESSA: Protection of children, response to emergency situations and health care for the most vulnerable families affected by the conflict in the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions" is implemented by the NGO "Association for Democratic Development" in partnership with the foundation's branch "Тер дез Ом Італія ЕТС" в Україні (TDH Italy) Terre des Hommes Italia in Ucraina financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo - AICS Kiev
