Our new youth suicide prevention project launches

This week saw us launch a major new project aimed at improving mental health and reducing cases of youth suicide.

The project - in partnership with our friends at the German Consulate in Erbil - sees group and individual mental health therapy for young people and their families, which is aimed at reducing suicidal feelings and tendencies, as well as lowering anxiety and depression. The sessions are to be held by trained psychologists.

In addition, participants will learn to manage their wellbeing and mental health more effectively through healing activities such as music, art therapy and yoga, which will help relieve stress. They will also take part in English language classes which will improve their communication and employability skills, and increase their confidence.

The project is vitally important, as according to local authorities, there were 45 suicide attempts and deaths in 2021 - the majority of which were young girls. Cases have been rising during the pandemic, with lockdowns leading to increased GBV, loss of jobs and financial stability, rights violations and escalating mental health problems.

According to a Lotus Flower psychologist, many females in group sessions have also expressed hopelessness for the future, with some saying they have had suicidal thoughts, or attempted suicide.

Displaced Yazidis in the camps where we work still also bear deep mental scars from the lSlS attacks of 2014. And according to the UNHCR, one in five people in refugee communities suffer from conditions of clinical concern. A sense of hopelessness pervades amongst youths, who have little to do and extremely limited opportunities.

While a few other organisations have been carrying out suicide awareness activities in the region, we do not believe any of them have been providing intensive mental health support which specifically benefits youths and women, making our project all the more important.

The activities commenced this week with a special induction day for new staff as well as two workshops, and the project will run until the end of the year.