Refugees and displaced people suffer from depression, anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder at rates of at least three times higher than the wider population. Younger females also experience severe psychological trauma after fleeing their homes and many struggle with the pervading sense of uncertainty and distress. Attempted suicide is increasingly common – especially as a result of the pandemic, when lost incomes and enforced isolation caused mental health disorders to rise dramatically.
We provide individual and group mental health support with trained psychologists, who are equipped to provide suitable treatment plans for each individual. Each case is treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity – which is essential given that many women and girls have experienced gender-based violence or sexual exploitation or abuse in a family setting.
Our centres incorporate individual and peer-to-peer support in all programming, and our safe social spaces encourage women and girls to support each other. Cultural and social sensitivities are also carefully considered. We also provide wellbeing programmes including yoga, mindfulness, group exercise, and related awareness sessions.
CASE STUDY
Nazdar was just 15 when her village was invaded by ISIS. Like so many others, she and her family were forced to flee their home, and Nazdar suffered with prolonged menstrual bleeding as a result of anxiety and fear. Once in camp, she and her family of eight had no choice but to live in a very small tent, which was partly exposed to the open air. “It was very harsh,” says Nazdar. “My father was chronically ill and paralysed, and I suffered with terrible migraines caused by stress. I didn’t know what to do.”
Nazdar was put in touch with a Lotus Flower psychologist and began receiving counselling. She began to understand her anxiety, what triggered these feelings and crucially, how best to deal with them. By working out a therapy plan that suited her, Nazdar has gradually built up her recovery and coping mechanisms, and she says: “I feel so much better these days, and that has enabled me to take part in other Lotus Flower activities too. I have been doing boxing, photography and craft courses, which keep me busy and take my mind off other things. It also means I have developed new skills and have been able to meet and bond with other women.
“As well as feeling better, I’m now able to support my father and family, which means I can finally feel more positive about our future.”