Supporting the Wellbeing of Ukrainians in Canada: A Personal Journey

Written by Olena Ostrovka.

With the support of the Grassroots Response organization, I lead a group dedicated to the well-being of Ukrainians in the heart of Ontario who have found themselves far from their homeland due to the ongoing war. As a psychologist from Ukraine with over 15 years of experience in management, I understand the emotional burden that displacement can bring. This is why I dedicate my time to helping my fellow Ukrainians navigate this challenging period.

I am Olena Ostrovka, and my career as an organizational psychologist began many years ago in Ukraine. But when the war started, I felt the need to do something more personal—something that could directly impact the lives of my fellow countrymen. I wanted to create a space where people could openly express their fears, anxieties and hopes for the future.

Olena Ostrovka

In these meetings, I am not just a facilitator; I am part of the community, a person who understands what it means to leave everything behind. I remember when I arrived in Canada—everything felt so unfamiliar: the language, the environment, the culture. What I lacked at the time was support from people who truly understood what I was going through. That’s why I created this group—to provide others with the kind of support I needed back then.

But my work is not just about emotional support. It’s about fostering interaction and shared experiences. Group participants may come from different parts of Ukraine, but they share a common thread: the pain of being far from home, the uncertainty about the future, and the challenges of adapting to a new life. I want to show them that they are not alone in this journey.

In our meetings, we discuss everything—from the difficulties of settling in a new country and the pressure of fast adaptation to the deep emotional wounds left by the war. But we also talk about hope, resilience, and the inner strength that Ukrainians have always demonstrated in the face of adversity. We share coping strategies, from mindfulness techniques to setting small, achievable goals each day. Together, we build strength through vulnerability.

One thing I often emphasize is the importance of acknowledging emotions. When people are forced to leave their country in times of conflict, their emotional burden often gets overlooked. Many feel they should simply "move on," but that’s not always the case. It’s crucial to process the pain of loss, fear, and even survivor’s guilt. My goal is to help participants recognize and understand these emotions in a safe, nonjudgmental space.

Our group provides a secure environment where participants can express themselves freely. One woman shared how she had developed a depressive state and required therapeutic and medical treatment. Under the pressure of new circumstances and the guilt of leaving her family behind, fully integrating into a new life seemed almost impossible. Other participants spoke about the challenges of finding work in a new country while battling post-traumatic stress and trying to fulfill parental responsibilities. These are real struggles, and they need attention.

I also encourage participants to explore their narratives. Each story is important, and through sharing, people find strength. It’s incredible how restorative a simple conversation with someone who truly listens can be. Through these exchanges, I see healing begin—not immediately, but step by step. I often remind participants that healing is a process. It is not linear, and it doesn’t happen overnight.

Beyond our discussions, we engage in activities that strengthen interpersonal connections, such as group walks and creative exercises. These not only help manage stress but also encourage participants to build relationships outside the group.

This group is not just about emotional well-being; it’s about creating a community. That’s why I do what I do. I want Ukrainians in Canada to know they are not alone. There is a place where they can find understanding, build connections, and gradually rebuild their lives.

My work is deeply personal. It comes from pain but also from hope. It is my way of giving back to a community that has given me so much. And I believe that through compassion, connection, and shared strength, we can help each other heal and build a hopeful future, moving forward together.