Finding Meaning After Loss: A Young Man’s Journey Through Grief and Healing
At just 24 years old, “Ahmad” (name changed to protect privacy) faced a profound loss that reshaped his life. As the only son in his family, the death of his father three years earlier placed an overwhelming emotional burden on his shoulders. What began as grief gradually deepened into persistent sadness, isolation, and a loss of purpose.
“After my father died, I felt completely alone,” Ahmad shared. “It felt like the foundation of my life had disappeared.”
When Grief Becomes a Silent Weight
Following his father’s passing, Ahmad experienced continuous psychological distress. He struggled with deep sadness, disrupted sleep and appetite, constant fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Over time, he withdrew from family and friends, blaming himself and losing hope for the future.
His grief remained unprocessed, silently shaping his thoughts and emotions. The absence of structure, motivation, and clear goals further intensified his distress, affecting his daily functioning and emotional well-being.
Recognizing the impact of his condition, Ahmad sought support through OHR’s Psychosocial Support (PSS) services, where he was welcomed into a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.
A Safe Space to Heal
Through a structured six-session counseling process, OHR’s psychosocial counselor worked closely with Ahmad to help him process his grief, challenge negative beliefs, and restore emotional balance.
In the early sessions, the focus was on active listening and emotional expression. For the first time, Ahmad felt heard.
“I was afraid to talk about my pain,” he said. “But I learned that feeling deeply is not a weakness.”
As counseling progressed, psychoeducation helped Ahmad understand the stages of grief and normalize his emotional reactions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques were introduced to identify and reframe self-blaming and hopeless thoughts.
“I realized that my thoughts were hurting me,” Ahmad reflected. “I started to believe again that I have the ability to heal.”
Relaxation and mindfulness exercises, combined with practical guidance on sleep routines, nutrition, and daily planning, led to noticeable improvements in his physical and emotional state.
“I slept well today,” he shared during one session—a simple statement that marked a major step forward.
Reconnecting and Rebuilding
As his emotional strength grew, Ahmad began gradually reconnecting with his family, starting with open communication with his mother. These renewed relationships reduced his sense of isolation and restored emotional support.
In the final sessions, the focus shifted toward self-esteem, personal strengths, and future planning. Together with his counselor, Ahmad identified realistic goals related to education, work, and personal growth.
“For the first time in a long while,” he said, “I feel that my life still has meaning.”
A Path Forward
By the end of the counseling process, Ahmad showed significant improvement. His depressive symptoms had decreased, his daily functioning improved, and his sense of self-worth was restored. Most importantly, he emerged with renewed hope and direction for the future.
Ahmad’s journey demonstrates that unresolved grief can become a heavy psychological burden, but with professional support, compassionate counseling, and a safe space to heal, recovery is possible.
At OHR, we believe that no one should face grief alone. Through timely psychosocial support, individuals like Ahmad are reclaiming their emotional well-being, rebuilding their lives, and moving forward with strength and purpose.
A Daily Search for Food: One Family’s Story
In recent years, poverty levels in Afghanistan—particularly in Zabul Province—have increased significantly due to the decades of conflict, recent political changes, prolonged drought, unemployment, and economic instability. In the Senak area of Qalat, many households were facing acute food insecurity, with limited or no income to meet their most basic daily needs.
While communities in Senak had been prioritized by OHR under the UNDP-funded ABADEI project for the rehabilitation of sub-roads as a quick-impact intervention, the humanitarian situation extended beyond infrastructure. Many families were struggling to secure food, and daily survival had become increasingly difficult.
On the first day of visiting the area, OHR staff encountered a 12-year-old boy who quietly shared his family’s situation:
“We haven’t eaten properly for almost three days, except for a piece of bread given by our neighbor.”
As he spoke, he explained that his father went to the bazaar every day in search of daily wage labor but often returned home empty-handed. With no steady income, the family frequently struggled to find enough food, and parents sometimes went without meals so their children could eat.
To better understand the family’s vulnerability, OHR met with community leaders and requested to speak directly with the head of the household. The village Shura confirmed that the family—headed by Sharifullah (name changed)—was among the most poor and vulnerable in the community and had no labor opportunities.
Later that day, OHR staff met Sharifullah at his home. With visible concern, he explained:
“I have seven children, and the oldest is only twelve. They are still growing and need proper food. I used to survive on daily wage labor, but for a long time now I haven’t been able to find work. With food prices rising, we cannot afford even basic food items.”
Through the ABADEI project, Sharifullah was selected as one of the 40 daily wage laborers employed to rehabilitate community sub-roads. Under this initiative, 4.5 km of sub-roads were constructed in Senak village of Qalat, and an additional 2 km in Nawkhiz–Shokhak area of Tarnak aw Jaldak District. The project not only improved community infrastructure but also provided immediate income to vulnerable households.
For Sharifullah, this opportunity meant being able to earn a daily wage and provide food for his family. When OHR staff visited the household again on the ninth day of work, the change was evident. His children were no longer hungry, and the household had regained a sense of stability.
Reflecting on the experience, Sharifullah shared:
“With UNDP’s support and OHR’s implementation, I was able to feed my children and help build roads for our own community. It felt like receiving two rewards for working at once. We are truly grateful for this support during our hardest time.”
By combining short-term employment with long-term public benefits, OHR and UNDP supported families not only to survive, but to regain dignity, resilience, and hope for the future.
From Distress to Dignity: Akhtar Bibi’s Journey to Healing
Akhtar Bibi, a 30-year-old woman from Madina village in Parun District of Nuristan Province, is a mother and caregiver whose life was deeply affected by sudden social and economic changes. When she first visited the Organization for Human Relief (OHR)’s Psychosocial Counseling Center in Parun, she appeared visibly distressed, exhausted, and emotionally overwhelmed.
Once she was welcomed into a safe and supportive environment, Akhtar Bibi began to share her story. During the previous government, her husband had stable employment, and the family lived a relatively stable life. He has another wife and several children, and despite the responsibilities, the household was functioning. However, following the political transition, her husband lost his job and the family was forced to migrate. Eventually, they returned back home, but her husband remained unemployed.
The family’s economic situation deteriorated rapidly. Akhtar Bibi herself had been working, but her job ended two months prior to her visit to the counseling center. With no stable income, the burden of caring for the children and managing a large household fell heavily on her shoulders. Financial stress soon led to frequent arguments at home, strained relationships, and growing emotional distance within the family.
Over time, Akhtar Bibi felt trapped and helpless. She described constant anxiety, mental distress, persistent sadness, headaches, anger, and a deep sense of hopelessness. She feared that her life would never improve. These thoughts gradually disrupted her mental peace and daily functioning. Despite using medication, she experienced little relief. She began to feel isolated, believing there was no one she could trust to share her pain with, and at times she lost the motivation to continue her daily life.
Her turning point came through a neighbor, who informed her about OHR’s psychosocial services in Parun District. Hearing that trained counselors were providing support to individuals facing stress, family conflict, and emotional distress gave her a sense of hope. Seeing no other option, Akhtar Bibi decided to seek help.
She visited OHR’s Psychosocial Counseling Center on 23 October 2025. During her first session, she was received with empathy and respect, and a psychosocial assessment was conducted in a calm and confidential setting. Her symptoms—including anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, mental confusion, anger, and physical stress—were carefully documented. She was encouraged to continue with follow-up sessions.
In subsequent sessions, OHR’s counselors worked closely with Akhtar Bibi to identify the root causes of her distress, including job loss, financial insecurity, family conflict, and emotional overload. Together, they explored how these factors were affecting her daily life, relationships, and sense of self-worth. Gradually, her dominant feelings of helplessness and emotional exhaustion were addressed through tailored psychosocial interventions.
Through structured counseling sessions, Akhtar Bibi received guidance on stress management, positive thinking, emotional regulation, and empowerment techniques. She learned how to challenge negative thoughts, rebuild confidence, and recognize her own strengths. With encouragement from the counselors, she identified practical ways to regain control over her life.
One significant outcome of the counseling process was Akhtar Bibi’s decision to use her existing skills productively. With renewed confidence, she started a small tailoring activity at her home. She now stitches clothes for women in her community, earning income and contributing to her household’s needs. This step not only improved her financial situation but also restored her sense of dignity and purpose.
Today, Akhtar Bibi reports a significant reduction in anxiety and emotional distress. Her mental state is calmer, her relationships at home have improved, and she feels empowered to plan for her children’s future. Reflecting on her journey, she shares:
“With guidance and support from OHR, my life has changed. The thoughts and feelings that made me lose hope are gone. I feel strong again.”
Akhtar Bibi expresses deep gratitude to OHR’s management and staff for their compassionate support and continues to seek further services to strengthen her well-being. Her story stands as a powerful example of how timely, culturally sensitive psychosocial support can restore hope, empower women, and transform lives in vulnerable communities.
OHR remains proud to support individuals like Akhtar Bibi—helping them find solutions, rebuild resilience, and move forward with confidence and dignity in Nuristan.
From Illness to Wellness: A Triumph Over Childhood Diarrhea
OHR has implemented the NGOs/CSOs Capacity Support Project (NCCSP) in the Parun and Wama districts of Nuristan province. This initiative aims to offer emergency treatment for children afflicted with diarrhea disease and to enhance hygiene practices among vulnerable rural communities which can prevent diseases.
In the remote village of Saripul in Wama district, located in the hard geographical terrain of Nuristan province, life has its challenges. Among the many challenges, one stood out for Mohammad Farooq and his family: the health of his daughter, Fakiha. Fakiha, a child with a lot of love in her eyes, was suffering from the severe diarrhea disease. Mohammad Farooq, like any father, sought support in the limited resources available locally. Yet, as the days passed and Fakiha’s health condition worsened, Mohammad Farooq’s heart grew heavy with despair. The village, lacked the medical infrastructure to provide treatment for such illnesses effectively.
But hope flashed into their lives like a beacon on a stormy night when news arrived that the Organization for Human Relief (OHR) had brought a team of health personnel to their doorstep. With generous funding from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the OHR set up a health team, offering free checkups and medications to those in need. “Fakiha’s sickness had drained us emotionally and financially,” Mohammad Farooq said, his voice came with gratitude. “But when we heard about the OHR’s services, it felt like a lifeline thrown to us in our darkest hour.”
With a mixture of anticipation and hesitation, Mohammad Farooq brought Fakiha to the health facilities, where they were met with health care from the OHR team. A medical doctor listened attentively and collected Fakiha’s symptoms and prescribed a course of treatment with the medicines available. “The doctor’s instructions were clear, and the medicines provided were of exceptional quality,” Mohammad Farooq said, his eyes reflecting the relief he felt. “With each passing day, we could see Fakiha’s health improving, like a flower blooming after a long winter.” As Fakiha regained her strength, Mohammad Farooq’s burden began to lift. The worry lines etched on his face smoothed out, replaced by a sense of hope and renewed purpose. “I couldn’t focus on my work while Fakiha was sick,” he stated, “but now, with her healthy life, I can return to my daily activities comfortably.”
With heartfelt gratitude, Mohammad Farooq expressed his appreciation to UNDP whose generosity had made Fakiha’s recovery possible. “Their support not only saved Fakiha but also gave us back our normal lives,” he said, his words echoing the sentiment of the entire village.
Fakiha’s journey from illness to health was not just an evidence to the effectiveness of the project interventions but also a shining example of how organized efforts can transform lives even in the most remote corners of the country. As the project helped in Fakiha’s recovery, a new chapter of hope and resilience began to unfold, thanks to the unwavering support of the UNDP and OHR in this most difficult time.
The Hope of a Helpless Farmer has Revived
The poverty level in Afghanistan especially in Khost province has tremendously been increased over the past months due to the recent conflicts, political changes, drought, unemployment and other disasters. Communities in Ismailkhil Mandozi district of Khost province are primarily dependent on agriculture which has unfortunately been seriously affected due to the recent drought and the farmer households live in emergency situation of food security where many households have no income to meet their daily food needs.
Organization for Human Relief (OHR) implemented the Afghanistan Local Economic Development (ALED II) project in Tanni and Ismailkhil Mandozi districts of Khost province, Quick Impact Action is one of the project components which can rapidly respond to the most urgent and dire needs of the communities in rehabilitation.
We have come up with a consultation session with communities and found that there was urgent need of irrigation water for the crops, while there were three existing underground canals (Karizes) which were damaged and had no water. The three underground water canals (Karizes) were damaged due to filled with soil and mud, and thus water could not come out to irrigate the agricultural lands, this problem was found during the initial interactions with the communities as their priority need, further discussions made during the consultation sessions with the network members, community elders, youth and the district officials and this has been selected to be rehabilitated under the Quick Impact Action component of the project.
These three Karizes have been rehabilitated and cleaned during the month of July 2022 consisted underground parts of the 15 wells and 2.5 km surface canals. 50 labors worked in the rehabilitation and these labors were able to have a short term income for their households. As the result of the work, water has come up and flown in the canal for irrigation of the agricultural lands, a total of 1201 households are benefited from use of the water and 1593 Jerib (318.6 hectare) of agricultural land is irrigated. People of the communities were happy after completion of the work and are hopeful for having their agricultural products this season because of having water to irrigate their lands.
An elderly Uncle Mohammad Safdar who is a farmer and head of the 12 members’ household says
“We are hopeful this season – I am irrigating my crops on-time and will have higher harvest Insha’Allah”.
As uncle Safdar’s wish of having irrigation water for his agricultural land has been fulfilled, he hopes that his wish for getting a better harvest will be fulfilled in coming few months too.
“Thanks to UNDP and the OHR for helping a poor farmer like me,” he said.
Noria’s Journey: From Emotional Distress to Economic Independence
In the remote village of Mandi, in Parun District of Nuristan Province, 27-year-old Noria’s life has been shaped by hardship, resilience, and ultimately transformation. Her story reflects the realities faced by many women and girls in rural Afghanistan—where economic vulnerability, social restrictions, and emotional distress intersect—while also demonstrating how timely psychosocial support combined with vocational skills training can restore dignity, confidence, and hope.
A Life Marked by Hardship
Noria’s challenges began with a personal decision that should have brought joy. She married the man by her choice, but her parents strongly opposed the marriage, leaving her emotionally isolated from her family of origin. What followed was a period of growing hardship. Living with her in-laws, Noria experienced emotional neglect, with little freedom or support.
Despite these difficulties, Noria and her husband managed to build a modest but stable life—until the political changes of 2021 abruptly altered their circumstances. Her husband lost his government job overnight, eliminating the family’s only source of income. With several young children to care for and no financial security, the household quickly fell into distress.
The pressure of unemployment and poverty strained their relationship. Frequent arguments became common, and at times escalated into physical violence. Even basic requests for food or household necessities often triggered disputes.
“I felt trapped,” Noria recalls. “There was no money, no support, and no way out.”
Over time, the emotional toll became overwhelming. Noria suffered from persistent headaches, loss of appetite, anxiety, and deep sadness. She found herself losing patience with her children, which only increased her sense of guilt and worthlessness.
“I felt like I had failed as a mother and as a wife,” she says. “No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t change our situation.”
Finding Support Through Psychosocial Counseling
Noria’s turning point came when she learned about a Psychosocial Counseling Center established in her village by the Organization for Human Relief (OHR). The center offered professional counseling services for women experiencing emotional distress, family conflict, and economic hardship. Hesitant but desperate for help, Noria decided to attend.
On June 10, she participated in her first counseling session. For the first time in years, she felt listened to without judgment. Through regular sessions, OHR’s trained counselors helped Noria understand the sources of her stress and develop coping strategies to manage anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and conflict at home.
Importantly, the counseling process went beyond emotional healing. Together with her counselor, Noria explored practical solutions to address the root cause of many of her struggles: the lack of income. It became clear that without economic independence, the cycle of stress, conflict, and vulnerability would continue.
Building Skills, Restoring Confidence
As part of OHR’s integrated approach, Noria was assessed for participation in vocational skills training. Based on her interests and aptitude, she was enrolled in OHR’s tailoring training program focused on sewing local traditional clothing—an income-generating skill well suited to the cultural and market context of Nuristan.
The training marked a significant shift in Noria’s life. Over the course of the program, she learned practical tailoring techniques, pattern-making, and garment finishing, while also receiving mentoring and encouragement. What began as a new skill soon became a source of confidence and pride.
Upon completing the training, Noria began sewing clothes from her home, taking small orders from neighbors, relatives and community members. Gradually, her work gained recognition in the neighborhood and community, and demand increased. The income she earned allowed her to cover basic household expenses, easing financial pressure and reducing tension within the family.
“I never imagined that I could be the one supporting my family,” Noria says. “Now I can contribute. I feel useful. I feel strong.”
A Path Toward Independence and Empowerment
The impact of Noria’s progress extended beyond finances. With a stable source of income and renewed self-confidence, her relationship with her husband began to improve. The stress that once fueled conflict diminished, and cooperation replaced resentment. Noria also noticed positive changes in her children, who now experienced a more stable and supportive home environment.
Today, Noria views herself not as a victim of circumstances, but as an independent and capable woman. She continues to run her home-based tailoring work and has set new goals for the future. Her ambition is to open a small tailoring shop where she can expand her business and train other women and girls facing similar hardships.
“I am deeply grateful to OHR for standing by me in my darkest moments,” she says. “Through counseling, I healed. Through skills training, I found my strength again. Now I want to move forward and help others do the same.”
A Model of Integrated Empowerment
Noria’s story highlights the powerful impact of combining psychosocial support with vocational skills training. By addressing both emotional wellbeing and economic vulnerability, OHR’s approach enables women and girls to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.
At OHR, stories like Noria’s reaffirm our commitment to empowering women through holistic, community-based interventions. Her journey demonstrates that when women are given the right support, skills, and opportunities, they can overcome adversity, strengthen their families, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Zubania’s Journey Toward Healing and Home-Based Livelihood
Zubania’s Journey Toward Healing and Home-Based LivelihoodZubania, a 29-year-old woman from Mandi village in Parun District of Nuristan Province, carries a story of resilience shaped by hardship, courage, and renewed hope.
When Zubania first arrived at the Organization for Human Relief’s (OHR) Psychosocial Support (PSS) Center in January 2025, she appeared visibly distressed. She was anxious, withdrawn, and overwhelmed by grief. With gentle welcome and a safe, supportive environment, she gradually found the strength to share the painful realities of her life.
Married at a young age with choice of her parents, Zubania faced years of emotional neglect and family conflict. Her situation worsened after her husband took a second wife, leaving her isolated and eventually separated from the extended family along with her two children. As if these challenges were not enough, her husband was later diagnosed with cancer. With no other family support, Zubania had to become the sole caregiver—responsible for household duties, childcare, and her husband’s medical treatment. The family’s limited savings were exhausted, and daily survival became a constant struggle.
The cumulative burden of economic hardship, caregiving responsibilities, and social exclusion took a serious toll on Zubania’s mental health. She experienced persistent stress, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, and symptoms of anxiety and emotional exhaustion. Unable to participate in community life or generate income, she felt trapped with no clear way forward.
“I felt lost, guilty, and hopeless,” Zubania recalls. “There were moments when I believed there was no way out of my situation.”
At OHR’s PSS Center, Zubania received structured psychosocial counseling that allowed her to process her trauma, regain emotional stability, and rebuild her sense of self-worth. Through regular sessions, she learned coping strategies, stress management techniques, and began to see herself not as a burden, but as a capable woman with strengths and potential.
Recognizing the strong link between mental well-being and economic stability, OHR later enrolled Zubania in a six-month vocational training program in hand embroidery. As a trainee, she learned her skills in embroidary, strengthened her confidence, and rediscovered purpose through creative and productive work. The combination of counseling and vocational training proved transformative—her emotional well-being improved as she became more engaged, focused, and hopeful.
Today, Zubania runs a small home-based embroidery business. She receives orders from family members, neighbors, villagers, and small local traders. The income she earns helps cover daily household urgent needs and contributes to her husband’s medical expenses. Most importantly, she now has a sense of control over her life and the ability to support her family with dignity.
Zubania shares that her emotional distress and anxiety have significantly decreased, and she feels calmer, more confident, and more optimistic about the future. Once isolated and overwhelmed, she is now an active contributor within her community.
“Working with my hands calmed my mind,” she shares. “Learning, creating, and being productive gave me hope again.”
Zubania expresses deep gratitude to OHR’s staff and UN Women for standing by her during her most difficult moments. She hopes that similar support will continue for other women facing hardship, so they too can rebuild their lives with resilience, skills, and hope.
“I thank OHR from my heart,” she says. “I hope this kind of support continues so other women like me can also find strength, dignity, and independence.”
Her journey is a powerful reminder that when psychosocial care is paired with practical livelihood opportunities, women can heal, reclaim agency, and lead change—starting from their own homes.