Strengthening mental health and psychosocial support in Turkey

Context

The violent conflict in Syria, which has been ongoing for over ten years, and the associated refugee crisis are affecting the entire region. Of the 6.6 million Syrian refugees, more than 3.6 million live in Turkey. The violence and loss experienced by these people before and while fleeing causes psychological distress. On top of this, they face challenges in the host country, such as existential fears, difficulties in integrating, loneliness, isolation, and tensions between Syrians and the Turkish population.

In February 2023, two earthquakes in south-east Turkey claimed the lives of thousands of people and left millions homeless. As a result of this, Syrian refugees have once again lost their livelihoods and been left living in precarious conditions in tent and container camps. The psychological effects for refugees and residents of the host communities are serious. They range from grief, despair and anger to post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse and suicide.

People’s ability to survive and overcome crises depends largely on how they manage to cope with this psychological burden in their everyday lives.

Objective

Syrian refugees and residents of host communities in Turkey receive better care in the field of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).

Approach

The project improves the quality of and access to MHPSS services. To this end, it works with government and civil society partners to develop needs-based and context-sensitive strategies.

The project also networks relevant actors from government, civil society and academia with a view to strengthening the integrated provision of MHPSS services for refugees and residents of host communities in health and community centres.

In addition, the project provides training to develop the capacities of MHPSS specialists and interpreters who work in psychological and psychiatric counselling.

Last update: November 2023