The Rising Need for ACP in War-Torn Ukraine

In a small apartment in Lviv, Ukraine, Oleksandra Nekipelova, a dedicated death doula, lights a candle and prepares for a video call with her client, Valeriia Korotchenko. The conversation begins with Korotchenko expressing her deep sense of powerlessness and despair amidst the relentless Russian attacks. Such emotions are now a common thread in the lives of many Ukrainians, making the role of death doulas increasingly vital.

As a refresher, a death doula provides support and guidance to individuals grappling with grief or facing death, either their own or that of loved ones. Unlike psychotherapists, their approach is not to address mental health issues but to offer unwavering support and compassion. In the war-torn landscape of Ukraine, the services of death doulas have become indispensable as death and destruction have become an everyday reality.

The demand for death doulas in Ukraine has surged since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Many Ukrainians find now solace in the presence of these compassionate professionals.

One of the key figures in this movement is Douglas Simpson, executive director of the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA). He emphasizes the critical need for end-of-life conversations and supportive communities, especially during times of war. This sentiment resonates deeply in Ukraine, where cultural norms have long stigmatized open discussions about death and grief, a legacy of the Soviet era.

Traditionally, Ukrainians have viewed grief as a personal struggle, and seeking help was often seen as a sign of weakness. This cultural backdrop complicates efforts to support the bereaved. Death doulas like Nekipelova are working to change this narrative, providing safe spaces for people to express their grief and sorrow. They offer a rare opportunity for individuals to talk about death, a topic that remains taboo for many.

Valeriia Tereschenko, a client of Nekipelova, illustrates the profound impact of a death doula. After her husband's brother was killed in combat, Tereschenko turned to Nekipelova for guidance. Through their sessions, she learned the importance of listening and being present for her grieving husband, helping him navigate his immense loss.

Death doulas offer more than just comfort; they help people understand the natural processes of dying and grieving. This support is crucial in a society where discussing death has been shrouded in silence. The work of death doulas in Ukraine highlights the urgent need for advance care planning and conversations about end-of-life issues. Death Doulas can aid those in need by providing the time and space for advance care planning discussions, ensuring that an individual’s end of life wishes are more likely to be understood and honored, leading to a higher quality of life at the end of life and improving the complicated and emotional process for loved ones.

These professionals provide a beacon of hope and understanding in a time of unprecedented turmoil. As they continue to support those in grief, they also challenge societal norms, encouraging more open and compassionate discussions about death and dying. This shift is essential not only for the present but also for the future, fostering a culture that embraces both life and death with dignity and care.

If you are interested in becoming a death doula, you can visit Doulgas Simpson’s INELDA trainings. 

‍If you are interested in starting a conversation about your advance care plan, and what matters most when it comes to your care wishes, schedule with Thanacare today.

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