A painful chapter in Syria has come to an end—one that lasted nearly 14 years filled with bombardment and displacement, leaving behind thousands of victims, the missing, and the wounded. Although the war has ended, its scars still linger with painful memories and horrifying scenes that require years of healing to ease their impact on the minds and mental health of those who lost parts of their lives to it.

With the start of the conflict in 2011, buildings were destroyed, lives were lost, and many were forced to flee their homes. Among them was a young man, A.Q., who had to leave his original residence and seek refuge in the village of Al-Hammamah. His suffering reflects the situation of millions of Syrians. He didn’t just lose his home, friends, and country—he also lost his job, which was the only source of income for his family. Over time, in a new and unfamiliar environment, he began to feel isolated and gradually lost social connections with those around him.

As the shelling intensified in the area, his mental health severely deteriorated, turning his days into a nightmare. He began experiencing intense psychological distress accompanied by auditory and visual hallucinations, persistent irritability over minor triggers, and a deep sense of despair and hopelessness—until the mental health team of Hope Revival Organization reached him.

The team conducted a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, which led to A.Q. being referred to a specialist psychiatrist through the WHO’s Mental Health Gap program at Hope Revival. The psychiatrist diagnosed his condition and prescribed the necessary medication to alleviate his disturbing symptoms. A recovery plan was jointly developed with A.Q., aiming to rebuild his self-confidence and improve both his psychological and physical wellbeing.

The recovery plan included:

•Training on relaxation and breathing techniques to calm the body and mind.

•Reactivating his social support network to restore essential relationships.

•Encouraging physical activity to boost overall health.

•Teaching strategies to organize thoughts and cope with distressing ideas.

•Grounding techniques to promote emotional and mental stability.

•Programs to strengthen self-esteem and belief in his capabilities.

Thanks to this integrated approach—combining medical care with psychological support—A.Q. was able to overcome this difficult crisis and regain a sense of hope. His patience and determination, alongside continuous follow-up by the psychiatrist and the mental health team, played a key role in his recovery. It was the collective effort, the unwavering support, and his inner strength that empowered him not to give up despite all hardships.

Today, A.Q. is on an inspiring journey of transformation, living a renewed life filled with confidence and determination. Inspired by the sessions he received and the ongoing support from Hope Revival, his story stands as a living testament to how distress can be transformed into resilience and growth—and how patience remains the key to relief.