Mental health…a crisis that is getting worse due to displacement, high cost of living, and economic crisis!

Due to the increase in armed conflict and the increasing speed of movement, mental health in Lebanon is facing a growing crisis, as the psychological and living conditions have deteriorated significantly.

In this context, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Lebanon announced that more than 830,000 people have left their homes in Lebanon, due to fighting activities and the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. The UN office report said: “As of October 8, 2023, 834,746 internally displaced persons have been registered, of which 52% are women living in 1,100 shelters, of which 935 (84%) have been reach the highest. Reveals that “more than one million two hundred thousand displaced people are in dire straits, and the number is likely to rise.”

On the other hand, some came to live in apartments, while others decided to stay in hotels according to their financial capabilities.

The tears of the elderly and the pain of the mothers

It is certainly difficult to see tears dancing in the eyes of old people, carrying with them the burdens of years that have seen unforgettable tragedies. How can officials remain indifferent to those who have lived through painful experiences and passed through time loops, while their hearts beat with pain and longing for days when their lives were quieter and more peaceful? Their mental health, which has deteriorated due to continuous wars and displacement, causes a feeling of despair in them, as if it prevents them from finding a glimpse of hope in an uncertain future.

Also, the suffering of the mothers who lost their children in the ravages of this hidden war is visible, and their tears are not only a symbol of sadness, but their cries that express a pain that cannot be please explain. How can your heart bear the loss of its liver, while the social and economic pressures around it are increasing? The cries of these mothers penetrate the walls of silence, but the echo may not reach the ears of the officers, who are supposed to listen and respond.

Therefore, Al-Diyar newspaper could only be the voice of truth for these people, expressing their tragedy and bringing their cries and pain to the world. Communication with the relevant authorities, whether it is the caretaker government or the official ministries, has become an absolute necessity. We, as media, have a great responsibility to show their misery, to highlight the pain and problems they are suffering.

This call is not just words, but a cry that calls for quick and effective action, with the hope that it will bring real change and bring hope back to hearts that have experienced pain.

The high cost of living and its impact on health

With the unprecedented rise in the cost of living, psychological pressures were not limited to those displaced from conflict zones, but also included civilians in other areas not directly affected by armed conflict.

The increase in rent prices and the high cost of living have put a burden on families, leading to great psychological pressures, threatening their stability and weakening their mental health. Therefore, families today struggle to cover their basic needs, whether in the affected areas or in relatively safe governments, because the need to meet requirements life has become an additional psychological burden.

These economic crises affect everyone, increasing family tension and contributing to feelings of anxiety and fear about the future, making psychological stress an essential part of Lebanese life.

Challenges and pressures

Due to the high cost of living, displaced people are suffering from a lot of psychological stress, due to the financial burden they are facing. Apartment rent has risen to unexpected levels, reaching more than $1,500 per month per apartment, and the displaced family needs at least $2,500 to cover their monthly expenses. As the prices of basic goods and the costs of daily living rise, the psychological burden on members of these families increases, as they feel that they cannot meet their basic needs and a decent life. to give to their children.

Therefore, these conditions had a negative impact on the mental health of families, especially children, whose parents were affected by feelings of stress and anxiety. These pressures are accompanied by feelings of depression and fear of the future, which create a stressful environment that can lead to major family problems, such as increased tension between spouses, and sometimes end in divorce.

The persistence of these stresses also increases the possibility of developing chronic psychological diseases, such as anxiety and depression, as well as the possibility that some people resort to negative behaviors such as smoking or addiction to substances. motivation finding a way to escape from theirs. truth

Testimonies of displaced people … stories from bitter reality

Mrs Rima, who was evicted from the border town of Al-Dhahira with her children, recounts her harrowing experience, saying: “I feel helpless every day , between earning a living and paying rent for a small apartment that has depleted my savings. .

Another displaced family also says that “the psychological situation is getting worse, because children are greatly affected. They do not find the stability they need, and life is filled with tension and anxiety. “

Mental health is an urgent priority

In this area, experts in the field of mental health tell Al-Diyar that “the accumulated living challenges have a direct impact on family relationships, as they weaken the bonds between family members and their ‘ communication between them is strict, if it is not treated with appropriate therapeutic methods.

Mental health is a priority, not a luxury

In turn, the psychologist and social expert, Ghinwa Younis, explains to Al-Diyar that “attention to mental health has become a necessity, not a luxury The psychological pressure on the those who have been displaced from their homes and villages, and the difficult economic conditions Well-being is considered one of the fundamental elements to achieve social balance depression, and even addiction, as some ‘ find a temporary escape from their bitter reality.”

The role of the national plan

She continues, “The current situation calls for a comprehensive national plan to deal with mental health emergencies. The strategy should include specialized medical teams and psychologists who are able to move immediately to the affected areas. while enabling the teams to provide counseling and psychological support.” It is only needed by families who need it.

Integrate efforts!

For their part, informed political sources emphasize “the need for joint efforts between the Ministry of Health and other organizations related to mental health, such as civil society organizations and international institutions, to implement a comprehensive national project that will effectively support mental health.”

The sources confirm to Al-Diyar that “these programs require the establishment of permanent equipment for rapid response, and provide medical teams ready to move immediately when needed, as well as raising awareness of the importance of rest to ensure psychological support is available to all. , especially in conflict zones and areas with high population densities of displaced people.”

A more cohesive and sustainable society

In conclusion, there is no doubt that the special circumstances that Lebanon is going through have made investing in well-being a necessity that cannot be ignored. Providing psychological support to displaced and needy people not only contributes to reducing psychological burdens, but also helps to build a stronger and more inclusive society. continuous Comprehensive national measures and continuous support for mental health programs is the way to reduce and overcome the effects of crises, and achieve psychological and social stability that supports all citizens to establish a brighter future.