Sisters’ Stories: ‘I can see I am improving every day’

It’s often hard to imagine what some of the women and girls we support have been through – and Belar* is no exception.

A Yazidi woman aged 18 who is originally from Sinjar, she came under ISIS control as a young girl following the devastating attacks of 2014. Horrifically, she suffered many forms of violence before eventually escaping her tormentors and finding safety at Rwanga IDP camp.

Inevitably, the ordeal severely impacted on Belar’s mental health, and she has struggled to come to terms with it for years. As well as continuing her education and working to provide for her family, Belar recently signed up to our Youth Suicide Prevention project, which supports young survivors impacted by the conflict.

The project – in partnership with the German Consulate in Erbil – was designed in response to rising mental health issues in IDP and refugee communities as a result of the pandemic. Following repeated lockdowns and increased economic uncertainty, many youths have been struggling with conditions such as depression and anxiety, especially with extra pressures on already limited resources. Through the intervention, our team offer psychological counselling for participants and their families, as well as art therapy, music, yoga and English language classes.

“I especially love the yoga classes, and I can see I am improving day by day,” says Belar. “These activities also help us change our thoughts and avoid thinking negatively. I have had suicidal thoughts before, but with the Lotus Flower’s support I’ve been able to rejoin the community and get that idea out of my mind.”

Recently, the first group to complete the Youth Suicide Prevention project celebrated their achievements with an inspiring graduation ceremony, which saw them receive certificates and sing and dance together.

We’re so please at how this program has been going so far, and will be bringing you many more updates as it continues…

* Belar’s name has been changed to protect her identity