On August 31 in Sarajevo, more than 15 ladies from the Renessans Association – an association of women suffering from breast cancer in Bosnia and Herzegovina, were part of the Emotional Detox initiative and participated in a creative painting class. The program aimed for attendees to relax, find calm, and detox via painting. The goal was also to help the amazing “Renaissance” Association women overcome their fears and express their emotions. The number of oncology patients at BIH is growing, and this tiny initiative is crucial for them, given the system’s typical disregard for this population. The coordinator’s suggestion helped to brighten at least one day in the lives of these brave women.

As the central theme of this project is the emotional balance and mental health of people suffering from a serious disease (breast cancer), the main aim of the project is to encourage people’s involvement in the regular performance of daily life tasks. The project was held as a painting workshop for participants and was implemented on the 31st of August. The academic painter led this one-day workshop and tried to help the participants with art.

People with serious illnesses have to respond to countless unpleasant challenges every day, and their mental health (emotional balance) is also at risk. In their struggle, they need all the help and support they can get to emerge from severe physical and psychological traumas mentally stronger (emotionally balanced) and to re-engage in the regular execution of daily life tasks with preserved mental health. Breast cancer is a malignant and deadly disease and also the most common form of cancer in women. The diagnosis strongly affects a woman’s mental health. Women have to face many fears that often impair their mental health. Anxiety and depression often occur as a consequence of these fears. An important reflection of mental health is also the image of one’s own body, and changes in its perception occur due to changes in the body as a result of treatment. As mental health is one of the aspects of the quality of life, their quality of life can be significantly impaired. Several factors have an impact on quality of life and mental health, such as the diagnosis itself, medical treatment, which includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy, social support from family and friends, and support from associations to support women with breast cancer. 

This project helped members to relieve themselves emotionally and forget the everyday fear and pain they face.

These photographs are published with the legal consent of participants or their guardians. They are courtesy of NGO SANCHILD, so please do not use them without our permission.

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