Moving to Kuopio brought peace to life

Katja Gorlinski, a Ukrainian who moved to Kuopio on a tight schedule due to the war, appreciates the silence and peace of her new hometown.

Katja Gorlinski was working in strategic project management in Russia when the war in Ukraine began. Gradually, she realized she could no longer return to Kyiv. In March 2022, she relocated to Kuopio with her young son on very short notice.

Moving to a new country and culture was a shock. She had lost everything—her home, her money, her job, and her entire past. Gorlinski explains how a person moving to a new country usually has time to prepare, both mentally and financially. She didn’t have that luxury. She also lost her social contacts and hasn’t seen her family in two years.

Though Gorlinski understood that she and her child were now safe, and she was grateful for that, she still experienced intense stress. She felt depressed. Yet, somehow, everything gradually began to fall into place. She decided that even though there were other Ukrainians in Kuopio, she wanted to meet and integrate with Finnish people specifically. That decision took her far, as today she has close friends, a good job, and her child attends a Finnish school and speaks the language well.

Gorlinski believes that social interaction boosts the feel-good hormones in our bodies.

“Finnish culture can seem strange to immigrants because it’s so quiet. That’s why I encourage them to attend Finnish events and get to know the locals. That’s how you find new friends and begin to understand this culture,” Gorlinski advises.

Today, Gorlinski works at a startup called iEVA Coaching Oy. She has developed and achieved great results with innovative methods that strengthen mental well-being and train cognitive skills. She is currently working with her team on a Finnish-language app on the subject, with an English version planned for later.

Gorlinski feels her work is important because she understands its significance.

“Many people suffer from mental health challenges and don’t receive help for months, maybe even years. The app aims to help people at an early stage. For example, it can help you find balance between work and free time so you don’t become overwhelmed.”

Gorlinski has only positive things to say about Kuopio. She deeply values the city’s peaceful atmosphere because, as a single parent, it means safety to her.

“What matters most to me is my child’s safety and future. Kuopio is a really good place to live, especially for families. There are activities, friendly people, the traffic is calm, and nature is always nearby. We plan to stay here because this is now our home. We are safe here.”

Text: Akiola-Media Oy / Niina Linna

Photos: Katja Gorlinski