On May 22, 2025, at the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”, another meeting was held within the art therapy project Erasmus+ KA220-ADU “TRUST,” dedicated to mental health. This art therapy session continued the cycle of practices for internally displaced persons, aimed at restoring psycho-emotional balance through creativity.
The event was organised as part of the Erasmus+ KA220-ADU TRUST project: Trauma of refugees in Europe: An approach through art therapy as a solidarity program for Ukraine war victims (Grant Agreement No. 2024-BE01-KA220-ADU-000257527).
The project title is decoded as follows:
TRUST
T – Trauma
R – Refugees
U – Ukraine
S – Solidarity
T – Therapy
The project is co-funded by the EU and led by the Centre Neuro Psychiatrique St-Martin from Belgium, in partnership with the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” (Ukraine), Greek Carers Network EPIONI (Greece), Fondazione Don Luigi Di Liegro (Italy), Lekama Foundation (Luxembourg), EuroPlural Project (Portugal).
This time, the session's theme was “Draw Your Mental Health”. The meeting began with an open discussion, during which participants were asked to answer the question, “What does mental health mean to me?” in two or three words. All responses were recorded on a flip chart, creating a collective vision of the basic needs for mental well-being in conditions of instability.
The next stage was the visual outlining of one’s own state. Each participant was asked to describe – either verbally or mentally – two images of their mental health in a state of harmony and moments of difficulty. This task promoted deeper self-understanding and prepared the participants for the creative part of the practice.
Before beginning the drawing, participants completed a short relaxation exercise accompanied by soothing music. For five minutes, they could focus on their inner sensations, imagine a visual representation of their mental health, and then transfer it to paper. Some depicted a calm sea as a symbol of inner balance and emotional depth. Light and drifting clouds represented thoughts that sometimes obscure clarity but always move forward. Mountains symbolized challenges that shape character and strength of spirit, while a field of roses evoked beauty, tenderness, and a sense of safety. One drawing, a rose in memory of a grandmother who loved to grow these flowers, became a symbol of love, a bridge to familial roots, and a source of warmth. A compelling image was a fully charged battery, embodying resourcefulness, energy restoration, and readiness for new steps. Another was a glowing orb with both a light and a dark side, reminding everyone of the complexity of the human inner world – how even in the darkest moments, a spark of hope may continue to glow within.
During the discussion, everyone who wished shared the meaning they had put into their work. All the drawings were unique, profound, and deeply personal. Participants felt that they could express things difficult to put into words and view their inner world from a new perspective through creativity. Many admitted that, for the first time in a long while, they could openly express their emotions through imagery.
The event concluded with gratitude from the participants, who emphasised the importance of such meetings during uncertain times. Their interest in continuing the project speaks to its effectiveness and relevance. Art therapy has become a tool of expression and a gentle way to touch upon difficult experiences, supporting rather than traumatising. The team of specialists from the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy continues working on creating a safe space where everyone can truly be themselves, in colours, symbols, and meanings.
Media Center of
National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”
