‘I Can Sleep Now, I Don’t Cry’: Ukrainians in Ireland Turn to Therapy After Fleeing the War
Ah, the joys of therapy! Or as I like to call it, “an excuse to yell at a stranger for an hour.” But in all seriousness, it’s a necessary path for many, especially for those who’ve escaped the horrors of war like our friends from Ukraine. A recent article from TheJournal.ie sheds light on how these brave souls are navigating their new lives in Ireland, where pubs serve Guinness like it’s a healing potion. Spoiler: it’s not.
After fleeing a war-torn country, you’d think you’d just need a pint and a laugh, but it turns out that’s not quite enough. Therapy is the hot new trend – move over avocado toast! Ukrainians in Ireland are discovering that sitting down with a trained therapist can be far more effective than, say, screaming into a pillow (though that does have its merits, too).
Many are describing a sense of relief, saying things like, “I can sleep now, I don’t cry.” Which is fantastic! Unless, of course, crying is your hobby; then you might want to find a different outlet—like binge-watching that reality show where people treasure hunt in their basements. Oh yes, there’s always something for the nostalgia-obsessed.
Now, let’s talk about the stunning resilience of these Ukrainians. They arrive in Ireland and, despite facing a mountain of trauma, they’re not just sitting around lamenting their fate while Googling “how to become a potato farmer overnight.” No, they’re engaging with mental health services, tapping into resources that are often as abundant as Irish rain!
And can we take a moment to appreciate Ireland for a sec? The land that believes everyone deserves a pint, a story, and the chance to feel at home—even if it means dealing with the emotional baggage that comes from being ripped away from everything you know. It’s like a group hug that also includes a therapist with a notepad! Very comforting, really.
Let’s not kid ourselves, a chat with a therapist isn’t akin to a good old giggle with your mates at the pub (where the best therapy is typically found over chips and curry) but it’s an essential part of healing. Not just for the Ukrainians, but frankly, for anyone who’s ever tried to organize a meeting in a corporate environment or dealt with their in-laws over the holidays!
So, hats off to these brave individuals for taking the huge step towards healing and to Ireland for being a beacon of hope. In a world where it can feel like we’re stuck in an episode of an absurd dark comedy, it’s heartening to see people prioritize their mental health. Because at the end of the day, sometimes what you really need is a good therapist—preferably one who knows how to order takeout, because sometimes life just gets too heavy!
Here’s to healing, laughter, and perhaps the most important therapy of all: connecting with others who share similar experiences. Now, if only I could find a therapist who specializes in my profound fear of mime artists—because I’m definitely taking my issues to the next level!
