Why Mental Health?
You may ask, ‘why discuss mental health in a situation where people lack basic human necessities?’ Often, people will consider the physical aspects of the impacts of war, such as the loss of homes, jobs, and family members. While this is what external aid (such as volunteers) can personally help with, to truly develop empathy and gain an understanding of the alterations of war on people's lives, their internal experiences must be understood. This is because no matter a person’s ability to flee a humanitarian disaster, no one comes out unharmed, as psychological reactions are often equally as life altering and can act as a lifelong burden.
Aid for mental health issues will often come in the form of psychotherapy. Many countries, such as Switzerland, provide immediate psychotherapy for those who have experienced a traumatic event which have resulted in leaving one's home country.
How Can Therapy Help?
Once physical health and safety are ensured, seeking aid for mental health is just as important. Focusing on mental health can allow those impacted by war to slowly adjust to a new life. Although traumas and experiences will never be forgotten, their lives can progress as personal traumas are slowly worked through. Mental health care can allow them to work through their challenges, take care of themselves and their families, and earn a living.
In an interview with Sujeewa Fernando, a former ISB teacher, she discusses a Sri Lankan refugee entering Switzerland as a result of civil conflict within the country. She states, “The Swiss government granted him refugee status and I could see his life getting better through psychotherapy. He got a job, has a family and he's doing very well now.”