Ali at a rehabilitation session | © Ayman / HI
A living hell
Last August, Ali was hit by gunfire and left almost totally paralysed in both legs. This instigated a downward spiral familiar to psychologists: depression, isolation, no appetite for life, insomnia, aggression etc.
Self-reliance
The key to Ali's recovery was to end his dependence on medical staff and make him self-reliant again.
HI provided Ali with a walking frame and commode chair. Being able to wash and use the toilet alone is a first step towards restoring patients' self-esteem. At the same time, a series of rehabilitation sessions allowed him to regain muscle strength.
Knowing you're not alone
Providing psychological support was essential. After one month the results were already visible. Ali thought his life was over, he has now started to accept his new circumstances, interact with others and recover from his depression. He realises that he is not the only person on the earth with a disability, he expresses and shares his thoughts and has made new friends.
"My only ambition is to be in good health,"
he tells Hilam, the HI psychologist. Motivation to receive care is vital for successful rehabilitation.
