This is a short text version of a new episode of the podcast “We’ll figure it out”, where we discuss people and projects that change society. In this episode we talk about the Ravnovesie (Balance) Foundation, which provides help and support to people with mental disorders. Yana Koretskaya, the fundraising director of the foundation, will talk about the mission of the foundation, fighting stigma and providing accessible assistance.
“Ravnovesie” — support for people with mental disorders
The Ravnovesie Foundation helps adults living with various mental illnesses: depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and others. Support is available for both people with a confirmed diagnosis and those who suspect a disorder. The foundation offers psychological and psychiatric counseling, art therapy, peer counseling programs and educational initiatives.
“We help people find self-acceptance and stability and to overcome the stigma associated with their condition”
How is psychological group support structured?
There are several formats for psychological support at our foundation. First, groups come both online and offline. We have specialized groups not only for people with mental disorders, but also for their loved ones. After all, it is important not only to support the patients themselves, but to help their families and friends understand how to cope, how to live alongside a person who is dealing with depression, anxiety or another mental disorder. This is important because the support of loved ones plays a huge role in the recovery process.
Art therapy is an important part of our work, and it is always conducted in group sessions. One of the most popular areas is dance and movement therapy. This technique helps people to cope with depression and anxiety by improving contact with their own bodies.
Peer counseling — help through personal experience
The peer counseling program is based on the principle of peer to peer. People who have gone from diagnosis to remission become mentors to those who are just beginning their journey. Peer counselors help mentees accept their diagnosis, find resources for treatment, and build a new life.
When I first learned about my bipolar disorder, I missed having someone to say: “This is normal. It’s treatable. You’ll get through this.”
Stereotypes and the struggle for visibility
Stereotypes around mental illnesses complicate not only the life of the beneficiaries, but also the work of the foundation. Society is still not fully aware of the scale of the problem and the need to address it. For example, when we seek support from corporate donors simultaneously with a foundation that helps children with disabilities, the choice is often obvious. This is largely due to stereotypes and lack of awareness about mental health. We believe that raising awareness helps more people to seek help.
Romanticization of mental illnesses
Romanticization of mental illness in society is an issue often discussed – it supposedly leads to, for example, every 14-year-old girl claiming to be depressed. It is generally considered a bad thing that needs to be controlled.
But I think otherwise. It is the stigmatization of mental illness that is a really serious problem that needs to be addressed. Romanticization on the other hand, regardless of what people label as such, can play a positive role. First of all, it helps more people reflect on their condition and seek help. Even if it’s seen as something “trendy” when you’re a teenager, in most cases things fall into place as you get older. And if problems do exist, a person is more likely to accept them and start treatment.
Accepting a diagnosis related to mental health is always difficult. That is why almost any form that helps a person to realize and accept their condition can be useful. For example, beautiful images, stories of famous people with similar diagnoses can be supportive: showing that this doesn’t have to be stigmatized or considered shameful. These conditions impose certain limitations, but do not make a person worse. On the contrary, it can become a source of inspiration and confidence: “I am not alone, there is nothing wrong with me, and many talented and successful people have also coped with this”.
Foundation volunteers
The Foundation is actively recruiting volunteers. For example, now we are in particular need of web designers.
We also especially appreciate pro bono assistance – when specialists share their professional skills for free. This is an indispensable resource for us. Programmers, designers, lawyers, accountants, marketers – each of them can make a huge contribution. Sometimes such help is even more valuable than financial donations, because it allows us to launch projects that directly affect the lives of our beneficiaries.
A dream of the future
The ideal future is a world where everyone who faces mental challenges is not afraid to seek help. In this future, quality care is available to everyone and doctors implement evidence-based approaches. It is a country where modern approaches such as the DSM-11 are used without fear or prejudice, despite any “traditional values”. It is a society where diagnosis is not stigmatized and those around us are willing to support those who need help.
I would like people to learn to listen and understand each other, even if their views are very different. I would like empathy to become a natural part of interaction. And, frankly speaking, my dream is that our foundation and similar organizations simply become unnecessary. I want to live in a world where I can lie on the beach with a clear conscience, sip a cocktail, and abstain from any activism because it is no longer needed.
