Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

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.”

Men and Boys’ Trauma Project

Prior to our project, Domiz 2 camp had no mental health support, therapy or educational activities specifically for men and boys. According to local authority and community representatives who participated in consultation meetings we held, psychological disorders, suicidal tendencies and gender-based violence had all been rising sharply.

In response to this, we worked with Khaima to implement a pioneering project aimed at supporting men and boy Syrian refugees who have been badly impacted by conflict and displacement. The programme was designed to foster healing through the sharing of past ordeals and mental health therapy, as well as providing educational and holistic activities to encourage self-expression and the processing of feelings through art, music and poetry.

Many of the male beneficiaries saw the atrocities of war with their own eyes, and were beaten or threatened themselves. Others saw women being subjected to violence and abuse, and even innocent men being beheaded. Although they locked away their trauma for many years, intense feelings of anger and fear inevitably built up, which they had no way of articulating or managing. Feelings of shame and social stigma had also prevented them from opening up about their experiences, especially in relation to struggles with mental health.

For the initial project, 25 men and boys were selected to take part, and the feedback and results were so encouraging that we again collaborated with Khaima to deliver a second round of the project in early 2022.

CASE STUDY

Aziz* is a Syrian refugee and married father of two young children, who has lived at Domiz 2 camp for eight years. He says: “I was glad to participate in the Men and Boys' Trauma project and really liked the awareness sessions. I was pleased to improve my English too. The psychological sessions and therapy were impactful and unique for us as men. I had never participated in such programmes before and I believe 90% of other men and boys hadn’t either. This project has helped me improve my skills, rebuild my life and become a better father to my kids, and a better husband to my wife.”

* Aziz’s name has been changed to protect his identity.