#LetsTalk about prioritizing mental health worldwide

It is estimated that 1 in 5 people are affected by depression and anxiety in humanitarian emergencies and ongoing conflict. Yet, mental health services are often non-existent or not accessible.

Here are some of the countries where we help build longer term sustainable mental health services.

Client who recovered from severe depression supported by International Medical Corps staff in Kobe Somali Refugee Camp, Ethiopia.

Ethiopia

Depression is one of the most common problems among refugees. Somali refugees in Ethiopia have fled conflict, violence and severe drought conditions. We help integrate mental health services with the healthcare provided in refugee camps. Those mental health services include:

• Training health workers and community volunteers with the support of a psychiatrist
• Organizing recreational and mental health promotion activities
• Reducing stigma and increasing social support

International Medical Corps Psychosocial Workers taking part in counseling skills training. Gaziantep, Turkey. Photo: Khaleel Isa

Turkey

We provide psychiatric services to displaced Syrians throughout Turkey along the Syrian border, as we recognize the need for a variety of methods to address depression. Our approach includes:

• Building resilience and fostering the use of self-help techniques
• Facilitating group activities to encourage social interaction, sharing of experiences, and support networks
• In the community we raise awareness about depression symptoms and available management options through psycho-education

A counseling session in Dhading, Nepal.

Nepal

45-year-old Rohini had struggled with depression since 2011. After the 2015 Nepal earthquake he found it even more difficult to cope with day-to-day tasks. Then he met International Medical Corps. Here’s what happened next:

• A Community Health Volunteer identified Rohini’s mental health needs
• A psycho-social counselor enabled Rohini to discuss and cope with his problems
• Rohini is on the path to recovery and plans to start his own business to support his family

After the 2015 devastating earthquake, we have been working with local partners to provide mental health services integrated with government health posts.

An International Medical Corps facilitator with participants of an “Active Longevity” group in Hranitne, Ukraine.

Ukraine

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had tragic consequences for the elderly community who continue to live in the buffer zone where they are exposed to shelling, economic hardship, and social isolation.

• We recognize that strong social support is one of the most important factors in promoting mental health.
• We provide psycho-social support services and activities for older persons such as weekly “active longevity” groups

One participant stated…

“I used to be lonely before I started coming to these groups. Now I see these people on the streets and we stop and say hello.”

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We have implemented Mental Health and Psychosocial programs in 17 countries around the world.

Find out more about International Medical Corps’ mental health programs

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