Psychological recovery in Sweden

The history of psychological rehabilitation projects for Ukrainian military medics began in Sweden.

Since December 2022, we have already conducted five projects in this country and are planning several more programs this year. Sweden is a country of unconditional love to Ukrainians. According to research, 97% of the population supports Ukraine. The attitude of the locals creates a sense of a powerful partner who is ready to be with us as long as it is needed. Depending on the partners, we changed the cities of the project: in Stockholm, in Nortalje, in Ystad, and the next project is planned for September in the city of Kramfors.

Repower projects have a special status in Sweden. Our activities attract attention at the highest levels of state administration, and Ukraine's experience in the centuries-old struggle for independence is valued and carefully collected.

Proof of this is the multiple meetings during the project of our participants with the Minister of Defense of Sweden Paul Johnsson, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Tobias Bilstrom and the Minister of Healthcare. It makes us feel that the whole world supports us! At these meetings, medics share the urgent needs in their field of activity and the features of 21st century warfare.

Marina Trattner, a researcher of the treasures of the Swedish archives, comes to us with a lecture for each project. Marina has devoted more than three years to searching for ancient references to Ukraine as an independent state since the time of Kozachchyna (kosacs). Such findings inspire us to continue our struggle and are an indisputable tool for increasing the country's defense capabilities.

Also in the program, we get to know singing techniques in the "Singing Workshop" by Denys Petryshyn. Joint analysis of hidden meanings and symbols gives an understanding of the uniqueness of our national heritage and the power of folk creations.

Our project provides an opportunity for professional exchange of experience. Thanks to the change of locations, we already have a whole list of medical institutions to which we have come for workshops. In particular: Karolinska Hospital, Uppsala University Hospital, Aleris Rehabilitation Center, Sophiahemmet Hospital, Stockholm Sports Institute.

Depending on the field of activity of the group members, we conducted workshops on the standards and deviations of the TSSS protocol, the basics of COSC, workshops for surgeons, discussions about sleep and many other important topics.

Exploring other countries provides an opportunity to distract yourself from everyday problems and immerse yourself in the world of art, history and culture. It broadens the worldview and provides new perspectives on life.

The peace and quiet that prevails in most of the places of interest in Sweden create ideal conditions for relaxation and self-reflection. This helps to reduce the level of anxiety and internal tension.

Sweden is about people who take the initiative to help with their knowledge, contacts and resources. Meetings of Ukrainian medics with friendly Swedish companies and charitable organizations such as Apotea, Blagula Bilen, Operation Change, Quartermasters for Ukraine, Swedish Rescuers are an integral part of projects in Sweden.

Also, our guides in the peculiarities of Swedish culture are the charity organization Nordic Ukraine Forum, with whom we have already implemented two incredible charity dinners in Stockholm with the fundraising for the continuation of our activities.