Tahir’s Journey: From COVID Trauma to Healing Through Counseling

Tahir, a 39-year-old man, completed his Master’s degree from Karachi University in 2015. He is married, with both he and his wife holding good educational backgrounds. Together, they are raising two lovely children. Tahir comes from a middle-class family and is the fourth among five siblings. While his elder brother is involved in a family business, Tahir has been serving as a lecturer in schools and colleges for the past 15 years.

Mental health challenges, particularly depression and anxiety, run in Tahir’s family. His late grandmother, uncle (70), father (75), elder sister (42), and he himself (39) have all struggled with it. Although Tahir had been managing mild depression and anxiety for years, things took a drastic turn in June 2020 when he was severely affected by COVID-19. Admitted to the hospital for 15 days and placed on a ventilator, Tahir’s life hung in the balance. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the hospital staff, he survived. However, those 15 days remain etched in his memory as some of the most traumatic of his life.

During his hospital stay, Tahir experienced intense episodes of depression. Time felt endless, and the weight of fear, hopelessness, and isolation overwhelmed him. He even forgot how to pray, despite having once prayed five times a day. The emotional toll was so severe that most of the hair on his head and beard turned white in just a few days. These physical and psychological effects reflected the immense trauma he endured.

Following his recovery, Tahir was referred by Dr. Gulshan from Indus Family Clinic to Mrs. Palwasha Ashrat for counseling sessions. With her compassionate support, therapeutic techniques, and consistent guidance, Tahir gradually began to feel better.

He strongly believes in the transformative impact of these sessions. The positive changes in his daily life are evident, and he remains deeply grateful to Dr. Gulshan, Mrs. Palwasha Ashrat, and the entire Indus Hospital team.

Tahir now dreams of completing his Ph.D. and dedicating it in honor of Indus Hospital. To him, the name “Indus Hospital” evokes three powerful words: “خدمت سے خدا” – Service Beyond Self.