Parisa receives counselling at the WHO-supported MHPSS Ward of Faizabad Provincial Hospital in Badakhshan Province. Photo credit: WHO Afghanistan.
7 September 2026, Kabul, Afghanistan – Life had become increasingly difficult for 25-year-old Parisa from Badakhshan Province in northeastern Afghanistan. Living with depression, facing unemployment, poverty and separation from her family, she began to lose hope for the future.
“I felt I could no longer cope with the problems in my life,” Parisa recalls.
In February 2026, Parisa sought care at the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Ward of Faizabad Provincial Hospital. The MHPSS Ward is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) with funding from the European Union (EU). WHO provides full operational support, including health worker salaries, essential medicines, meals for admitted patients and other operational costs, helping ensure uninterrupted access to mental health services for people in need.
Over the next six months, Parisa attended regular consultations and follow-up visits. She received a comprehensive package of care that combined medical treatment, individual psychological counselling, psychosocial support and continuous monitoring of her progress.
As her treatment continued, Parisa gradually regained confidence and developed healthier ways to cope with everyday challenges. Her emotional well-being improved, and she became better able to manage daily life.
Today, she works as an instructor at a tailoring workshop, helping others learn new skills and improve their livelihoods.
“I am able to support others and feel useful again,” says Parisa. “I have hope for the future.”
Parisa’s recovery demonstrates how integrated mental health services can help people overcome difficulties and rebuild their lives. By combining medical treatment with psychological counselling, psychosocial support and regular follow-up, MHPSS services help individuals restore daily functioning, regain confidence and reconnect with their communities.
“Mental health services are essential for helping individuals and communities recover from adversity and build resilience,” said WHO Representative in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador. “With support from the European Union, WHO is working to ensure that people across Afghanistan can access the care and support they need to restore hope, improve well-being and lead productive lives.”
Parisa’s story is a reminder that recovery is possible, and that timely access to mental health and psychosocial support can help transform lives.