Searching for Hope Amidst Pain
The Service and Relief - Diakonia Department, Beirut’s Office, Supports Lebanon’s Women
She is the source of life. She is the wife, mother, sister, and friend. She is the woman who always struggle in her life and make daily efforts for the happiness of her family and the comfort of everyone around her. She is also the one who, unfortunately, is exposed to many and many insults, racism, hate speech, and even she is the one who faces all kinds of violence, cultural isolation, and loneliness... All these factors are negatively affecting her life putting her in the most vulnerable categories. But does anyone hear her pain?
In fact, many women today suffer from mental health problems, as they are in dire need of psychosocial support to help them overcome the pressures which may surround them daily. Hence, the role of religious and humanitarian organizations is important to accompany and support women in order to sorrow hope in their hearts.
From its end, the Middle East Council of Churches launched psychosocial support sessions in Lebanon, which are implemented monthly by the Service and Relief - Diakonia Department, Beirut’s Office, at Our Lady dispensary affiliated to MECC in the Sabtyieh region. The sessions aim to heal women's pain and ease their despair in order to focus on the positive and transform their negative emotions into something productive, through various activities and practical exercises.
The sessions also contribute in empowering women and developing their skills to overcome the difficult circumstances surrounding them. As well as, the sessions help them build resilience and cope with their environment and societies. In fact, two levels of intervention are introduced: in large groups through art techniques and in smaller groups for those who have higher mental health needs.
