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Coping with displacement, loss, and uncertainty: How psychosocial support helps families navigate crisis

Farid Ali lost his eyesight in a mine explosion and his wife during childbirth before being forcibly returned to southern Afghanistan, where he and his eight children were left living in a tent and facing an uncertain future.

When Farid Ali returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan, he arrived with his eight children and very little else. The family had no stable home and were living in a tent in Kandahar Province, trying to adjust to a new reality after a forced return.

For Farid Ali, displacement was only one part of a series of life-changing losses. Ten years earlier, he lost his eyesight in a landmine explosion. Three years ago, his wife died during childbirth, leaving him solely responsible for raising their eight children. Managing everyday tasks, caring for his family, and facing an uncertain future became increasingly difficult.

The weight of these experiences affected Farid Ali’s emotional wellbeing. During an initial assessment, he described feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, and constantly worried about how he would continue caring for his children. He struggled with sleep, experienced persistent tiredness, and found it difficult to concentrate on daily responsibilities.

When we returned, I had nothing except my children. Every day I wondered how I would protect them and feed them. Losing my eyesight and my wife made me feel that life had become impossible. I could not sleep at night because my mind was full of worries. I kept asking myself what would happen to my children if I could not care for them. Sometimes I felt that my problems were too heavy to carry alone.

Recognising the impact that prolonged stress and loss had on Farid Ali’s wellbeing, DRC, with financial support from the European Union, provided individual psychosocial support sessions designed around his specific needs and circumstances.

During the sessions, Farid Ali learned practical techniques to manage stress, including breathing exercises, problem-solving skills, and positive coping strategies. Because of his visual impairment, grounding exercises were adapted to ensure they could be used effectively without relying on sight.

For Farid Ali, these tools provided a way to manage difficult moments and regain a sense of control over his daily life.

The counselling sessions also supported Farid Ali in recognising unhelpful thoughts and developing ways to respond differently to the challenges he faced.

The breathing exercises helped me calm myself whenever I felt overwhelmed. They were simple, but they made a real difference. I learned practical ways to manage my stress instead of allowing it to control me. I learned that even though I cannot change what happened to me, I can change how I respond to my difficulties. The counselling gave me hope that I could still be a good father to my children.

Farid Ali began to notice changes in his daily life. He reported sleeping better, feeling less anxious, and becoming more confident in managing his responsibilities as a father. He also noticed the impact on his relationship with his children.

Although Farid Ali and his family continue to face significant economic challenges, he has developed stronger coping strategies, improved emotional wellbeing, and greater confidence in caring for his children.

I started sleeping peacefully again, and every morning I felt stronger. My children also noticed that I was calmer and happier. For the first time in many years, I felt hope returning to my life. The counselling helped me manage my stress and sleep better. I now feel hopeful and more confident in supporting my children. The challenges of life have not disappeared, but now I know how to manage my stress and keep moving forward. My children give me strength, and I want them to grow up knowing that their father never gave up. I know our life is still difficult, but now I believe that I have the strength to face each day. I am grateful that someone listened to me and helped me regain hope.

Coping with displacement, loss, and uncertainty: How psychosocial support helps families navigate crisis

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