Self-empowering women affected by the Beirut Blast

Six months after launching this campaign, Intisar Foundation is continuing its efforts to combat PTSD associated with the Beirut Port explosion. The Beirut port explosion was a cataclysmic event that shocked that world, images of obliterated buildings, crushed cars, and overcrowded hospitals haunted the memories of those directly and indirectly affected by the blast. 

As humanitarian efforts poured into Lebanon to help rebuild houses, provide hospital supplies, and clean up the debris, the psychological impact of the blast was largely overlooked. Intisar Foundation launched an EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and reprocessing) Therapy within weeks of the blast in collaboration with a local NGO to attend to the mental health needs of the women affected by the Beirut port explosion. 

PTSD resulting from such life-altering events can severely impact health and life quality. Of the women we worked with,100% had dangerously high levels of PTSD symptoms and 91% had moderate to severe anxiety symptoms before the program. Following our programs, 100% of the women we worked with experienced reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression at significant rates. 

Our beneficiaries have reported notable improvements in their life quality, citing better sleep, better concentrations and productivity, and the ability to go back to a normal life. Our program has proven that psychological healing is a necessary step in any disaster relief intervention, as the mental health of victims is an imperative step towards rebuilding lives.