On March 11, a meeting with Roma youth took place at the Voice of Romni space in Uzhhorod. The discussion focused on the topic of building healthy psychological boundaries.

During the event, participants explored issues that often remain overlooked in everyday life: why it can be difficult to say “no,” what violations of personal boundaries may look like, and why the desire to protect oneself is not selfishness but a sign of self-respect. Together with the youth, the facilitators discussed how healthy boundaries are not a wall between people, but rather a way to make communication and interaction honest and safe. Roma girls learned how social pressure, the need for approval, or fear of upsetting others can prevent people from standing up for their own needs. The discussion also covered different types of behavior and how to maintain a balance between respect for oneself and respect for others.

Special attention was given to practical tools, including simple phrases that help people calmly refuse requests and the technique of “I-statements,” which allows individuals to express their feelings and needs without blaming another person.

Psychologist Anastasiia Feier shared her own experiences of situations in which her personal boundaries had been violated. Using real-life examples, she discussed with the participants how to recognize such situations and why it is important to respond to boundary violations in a timely manner. Together, they identified practical and effective ways to respond to manipulation and emotional pressure.

The girls actively engaged in the discussion, asked questions, and shared their own reflections on the topics of suppression and psychological influence. They also had the opportunity to complete tests to assess their level of stress-related exhaustion, helping them better understand their emotional state and recognize the importance of caring for their mental health.

The event was held as part of an information campaign supported by the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine. Meetings like this help young people view psychological support from a new perspective — without stigma or fear. The ability to talk about one’s feelings, protect personal boundaries, and seek help when needed is an important part of inner resilience and healthy relationships with oneself and with others.