My name is Yana Stasyalovich, and I know what fear, pain and loneliness are. In the spring of 2017, when I was sixteen, I was beaten by security forces — right on the bus, where they dragged me along with the participants of a peaceful protest. Since then, as a result of a traumatic brain injury, I have been living with epilepsy and anxiety disorders. I tried to achieve justice: I filed complaints, went to court, but to no avail — even the confiscated medical record was returned with pages torn out.
During the protests of 2020, I could not stay on the sidelines, I actively participated in protests with thousands of other dissenters. I hid from security forces in doorways, trembled from the sound of sirens. I was not detained, but the horror of persecution returned, at some point I stopped feeling my legs. As a result, doctors diagnosed «conversion disorder». I became disabled, stopped walking, and at times lost my sight, speech, and memory. Now I can move independently and live a relatively normal life, but the disease remains with me: during periods of severe stress or emotional tension, the symptoms return.
In 2022, in search of safety, I moved to Poland. My husband, who had always supported me, decided to leave, leaving me alone in a foreign country. At first, I even spent the night on the street. Only a random kind girl saved me by temporarily sheltering me, and this saved me from complete despair.
Living with a disability alone, without a family, a stable income, with prolonged depression – turned out to be unbearable. At some point, I could no longer tolerate either physical or mental pain and tried substances. It was my attempt to cling to at least some peace. I am not proud of it. It was a mistake, but at the time it seemed to me that I had no other choice.
After struggling with addiction and eight months of sobriety, I had a breakdown. I lost everything I had built: my job, my home, my peace of mind. I got into debt and risk ending up on the street again. Now I am in therapy again: I attend Narcotics Anonymous groups, work with a sponsor on the 12-step program, and see a psychologist, who costs 170 euros a month.
I am not making excuses, because I know very well that drug addiction is a disease that requires treatment and strength. I am only asking for a little support so as not to lose the chance to return to a normal life. All funds raised will go directly to the owner of the apartment, to pay off the court debt and to pay for the psychologist's sessions. I no longer have the right to make a mistake.
How much is needed?
€2440
€1530 – to pay off the debt for rent and utilities;
€200 – to pay the fine according to the court decision;
€510 – sessions with a psychologist (3 months).
Thanks to everyone who responds. Thanks to you, I will have a chance to return to a decent life and not give up.