The disastrous earthquake last October in Pakistan devastated both lives and livelihoods. Thousands were killed and injured. And many are still suffering physically and mentally from the catastrophe.
Psychological distress in complex emergencies is always a challenge as memories of lost loved ones and belongings haunt the living long after the initial emergency. A majority suffer with the losses for the rest of their lives. “People in distress usually pass through shock, disbelief, denial and protest,” said Dr. Joseph Asare, International Medical Corps Mental Health Specialist in Mansehra. “We help them to accept the losses and console them to live normal lives through the Grief Group.” Mental health teams in Mansehra organize both group and individual therapy sessions for orphans and those who lost loved ones.
Barely twelve, Kulsoom seems wiser than her age, doing household chores and caring for her younger siblings. Her mother, infant sister and an older brother were lost in the earthquake. Her mother was feeding her sister when the catastrophe struck her stone-built house. She was playing in the backyard at that time. “I still hear the screams of my mother asking for help and I cannot sleep,” said Kulsoom. “I wish I could have saved her – or died with her,” she sighed in anguish. “Cooking and household chores always remind me of my mother who took care of everything.”
With their house destroyed, the family had to migrate to a camp, where International Medical Corps offers comprehensive healthcare services. “I heard only those are punished by nature who have committed sins, but I don’t know why we were punished,” said Kulsoom. “Our village was placed in a green valley but the camp is too congested for me to live.” Kulsoom’s aunt recalls that months after the earthquake, the young girl cried for her mother and was kept haunted by nightmares.
Zeenat, International Medical Corps’ Psychosocial Organizer in Mansehra, spotted Kulsoom. “I was shocked by her situation as her face, it seemed, had forgotten the smiles and laughter which one usually expects from a child that age. I could sense that everything was not right with her. I was astonished by her response, as when I invited her to the play group, she replied that she could not come because she has to take care of her younger siblings,” said Zeenat. It took Zeenat several visits before Kulsoom was willing to join the group.
Kulsoom had never been to any formal school, though her brothers now go to a school in the tent village. Thinking that Zeenat is asking her to join a class, she said “I felt shy and thought what I would do if someone asks me some questions regarding my education.” However, she never knew that this would be an opportunity of a lifetime. The experience was exhilarating, as she learned to share her grief and extend support to others faced with similar problems. For a girl who never knew how to use a pen, trying her hand at drawing was a revelation.
“Children are asked to draw, which, in a way helps the child to articulate his or her ideas,” said Dr. Asare. This gives a good idea to the psychosocial therapist of what the child is feeling.”
International Medical Corps is also implementing a community sensitization initiative. This entails developing capacities of local men and women to identify and refer cases, offer after-care services and provide first aid in their communities to people suffering from mental illness. This will also help others like Kulsoom.
“We are now like one big family in the play group–everyone has the courage to share their problems which helps to overcome grief,” said Zeenat. Teams organize both individual and group therapy sessions.
Kulsoom is now a re-energized girl. Though she can never forget the loss of her mother, she has stopped weeping and has learned to live with the reality. “I sleep well now and eagerly wait for the play group. I now have many friends in the camp and we talk after the class,” she said with a smile.
“I am very happy as my doll will get married next week and I am going to invite all my friends.” She proudly shows a toy house she built.. “I like to draw and build beautiful homes; and one day we will have a home as beautiful as this one.”