In Syria, after 13 years of war, the mental health challenge is immense. The trauma caused by the repeated horrors of war, poverty, violence and forced displacement is colossal. Syria now has the highest number of displaced people in the world, a sad record that underlines the scale of the humanitarian crisis.
Our teams on the ground are confronted not only with these traumas, but also with an additional difficulty : removing the taboos that are still strongly present in the country concerning the recognition and treatment of mental health problems. In a society where the stigma surrounding mental health remains deeply entrenched, talking openly about these problems and seeking help can be extremely difficult for those affected.
Programmes tailored to local needs
Faced with this dual challenge, Mehad’s commitment is greater than ever. Each year, we provide 16,809 psychosocial support sessions in north-eastern Syria, benefiting 86,607 people. These sessions offer immediate support while raising awareness of mental health issues and promoting a culture of support and understanding.
In order to respond effectively to the needs of local populations, our programmes are adapted to the specific realities of each community, ensuring that each individual receives the most appropriate help, respectful of cultural and social contexts, while guaranteeing total confidentiality.
Sara*’s testimonial from our care centre in Raqqa
The testimonies of those we have helped are poignant. They tell stories of resilience and courage, but also of relief and healing thanks to our intervention. These stories illustrate the real impact of our work on the ground.
