7 Months Following the Beirut Blast, Ardem Lost His Life to Psychological Wounds

57-year-old Ardem was the latest victim of the blast. Photo credit: The 961.

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7 months after of the Beirut explosion, another person falls victim to the after effects of the event. 57-year-old Ardem, as told by his cousin Sanahine Kassabian, had his house devastated. He lost the pet shop he owned in Gemmayzé located just meters away from the port. This left him “mentally and emotionally broken. He couldn’t eat, sleep nor talk,” explained Kassabian.

The woman continued to describe his mental situation after the blast. She said that a few weeks ago, he was unable to stand up and walk. She observed him slowly melt, with a broken spirit, as not only he was physically injured, he lost everything he had worked so hard for.

Kassabian pointed out that when he died, he was so depressed he had to be taken to the hospital. This made him the latest of over 200 victims who died during the blast or after succumbing to its effects. “Ardem’s case is an example of the long-term consequences of the Beirut blast on the Lebanese people,” she lamented.

 Kassabian wanted to point out that Ardem’s injuries were not purely physical. They weren’t life-threatening in the traditional sense. His wounds were entrenched deeply in his heart and soul, eating him inside out. She wanted to share this story to show the emotional ruin people are still in and to what extent it still is affecting people.

“Our battle for life hasn’t stopped. Rest in peace, dear Ardem. You’re in a better place now.” She finally admitted.

Communication and Public Relations Department