Born in southern Lebanon with a physical disability, Maya, 39, was determined from an early age not to let her disability define her. Raised alongside two siblings who also live with disabilities, she drew strength from her mother's unwavering support. Despite the challenges she faced, Maya pursued higher education, earning a degree in Business Administration, and completing vocational training in accounting.
In March 2026, the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon brought new hardships.
Forced to flee her home with her son and seek refuge in a collective site, Maya had to adapt to crowded living conditions, unfamiliar surroundings and constant uncertainty about the future. Displacement meant leaving behind the routines, surroundings and sense of security they had known.
The experience took a significant toll on their emotional well-being. Anxiety, stress, disrupted sleep, and persistent concerns for their safety became part of their daily lives.
Maya found it difficult to express her emotions and often kept her feelings to herself. Her son, meanwhile, became increasingly withdrawn and reluctant to interact with others.
"I never liked talking in front of people. I kept everything inside," Maya recalls.
Amid these challenges, a new source of support became available at Aramoun Centre, which provides services accessible for people with disabilities. There Maya and her son began participating in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities implemented by Migration Services and Development (MSD), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with funding from the European Union through the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI).
Through safe, inclusive and community-based activities, the project supports the well-being and resilience of conflict-affected individuals and families, while strengthening social cohesion and helping communities affected by displacement rebuild social connections. Maya joined group MHPSS sessions, while her son took part in psychosocial and socio-recreational activities designed to help children express themselves, interact with their peers, and regain a sense of normalcy.
For Maya, the sessions provided a safe space to talk about the emotional burden she had carried since her displacement. Through guided discussions, stress-management techniques, and peer support, she learned practical ways to cope with stress, including relaxation exercises, recognising her triggers, engaging in positive activities and seeking support when needed.
Over time, she became more comfortable expressing herself and developed healthier ways to cope with the challenges she faced.
"I used to keep everything to myself. I was afraid that people would not understand what I was going through. But being with others who were facing their own challenges helped me realise that I was not alone," she says. "Little by little, I became more open and started to feel lighter."
The changes were also visible with her son. Initially shy and reluctant to engage with others, he gradually began participating in activities, building friendships and enjoying time with other children.
For a mother who had watched her son withdraw after displacement, seeing him reconnect with others brought renewed hope.
"Seeing him laugh, play and make friends again gave me the hope I had been looking for," she says.
Together, the support provided through the MHPSS sessions and children’s activities helped Maya and her son cope with the emotional challenges of displacement, reduce feelings of isolation and rebuild connections with others. By creating inclusive spaces where individuals and families can access support, share experiences and engage with their peers, these activities contribute to strengthening resilience and promoting social cohesion among communities affected by conflict and displacement.
Today, the future still carries uncertainty, but Maya feels more confident about facing it. She continues to look for employment opportunities where she can use her cooking skills and work towards greater independence.
"My dream is simple," she says. "I want a stable job, a peaceful life, and the opportunity to build a better future."
For Maya, rebuilding means more than finding work. It means regaining confidence, recognising her own strengths, and being able to imagine a future beyond displacement.
Her journey demonstrates how accessible mental health and psychosocial support can help conflict-affected individuals recover from the emotional impacts of displacement, strengthen their resilience and reconnect with their communities. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities can access the support they need to participate fully in community life and pursue their aspirations.
"I have faced many hardships because of my disability. But today I am strong. My strength comes from within. I want everyone living with a disability to believe in themselves, stay strong, and never stop moving forward."
*The name has been changed to protect her identity.