From Despair to Hope: Ola’s Journey to Recovery in Lebanon

A Life Shattered by War

Nineteen-year-old Ola, a Syrian refugee living in Tyre, Lebanon, had her world shattered in September 2024 when an airstrike destroyed her home. Trapped under the rubble for four hours, she was unconscious when help finally arrived. When she woke up, she had no memory of what had happened—but the loss of her mother-in-law, Wafaa, and her own life-changing injuries left scars that ran far deeper than the physical wounds.

For two weeks, Ola remained in silence, unable to speak or process the devastation. Fear, anxiety, and deep depression took over her life. She withdrew completely, unable to care for her young son, Rafic, or focus on her pregnancy. Sleep became impossible, and the weight of grief made even the smallest tasks feel insurmountable.

“I was scared all the time. I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, couldn’t even be there for Rafic,” Ola recalled.

“Every day felt like a battle. The trauma haunted me, and I thought I’d never get back to who I was. The fear of losing everything kept me up at night. I was afraid to even try, afraid that the pain would never end.”

Finding Support Through GOAL and Amel

At first, she hesitated to seek help. The thought of sharing her pain with others felt overwhelming. But when she learned about the individual psychological support available at Amel, funded through GOAL, she took a leap of faith. The Amel team carefully explained her rights, the confidentiality of the sessions, and how therapy could help her regain control of her life. With her informed consent, the journey toward healing began.

A dedicated caseworker named Dalal offered Ola a safe space to speak freely, allowing her to open up for the first time. As trust was built, she was referred to a psychotherapist, Samar, for more specialised support. With every session, Ola found herself slowly reconnecting with the world around her. She started to regain her energy and confidence, learning to process her grief and find moments of peace.

Rebuilding Strength and Hope

Over time, her anxiety eased, and she began engaging more with her son. She found joy in caring for Rafic again, something that had once felt impossible. She now visits the Amel center regularly to monitor her pregnancy and continue her psychological support, ensuring she receives the care she needs for both herself and her unborn child.

“I didn’t think I could feel better,” she admitted. “But with every session, I could feel the weight lifting, even if just a little. I didn’t know that my pain was something I could work through. Now, I see things differently.”

Her husband, Mahmoud, was also included in the process, with Amel staff guiding him on how to support her recovery. His encouragement became another pillar in her healing journey, helping her regain confidence in herself and in the future.

A New Beginning

“I’ve learned to smile again,” Ola said with tears in her eyes. “I look at my child, and I feel grateful for every moment. Rafic is my hope now. I never thought I could feel this way after what happened, but here I am, standing strong for him and for myself.”

Speaking about her resilience, psychotherapist Samar shared,

“At the beginning, she was trapped in her pain, unable to see a way out. But with time and trust, she started to open up and engage with the healing process. Her commitment has been inspiring. Today, she’s not only surviving—she’s thriving. Her strength and resilience remind us all why we do this work.”

Thanks to GOAL’s funding and Amel’s dedicated support, Ola was able to receive the psychological care she needed at a time when she felt completely lost. She continues on her path to healing, no longer alone in her struggle. Her journey is a testament to the power of mental health support in times of crisis—restoring hope, one step at a time.