According to UNHCR, one in five people in displaced communities suffer from conditions of clinical concern. Displaced Yazidis in Rwanga and Essyan camps still bear deep mental scars from the ISIS attacks of 2014, and Covid-19 has profoundly worsened their plight – with lockdowns leading to increased GBV, rights abuses and mental health issues. A sense of hopelessness pervades amongst youth groups, who have little to do and extremely limited opportunities. In a post-Covid-19 assessment we conducted, 85% of respondents said the pandemic has worsened their mental wellbeing and 80% specified that access to a therapist would help.
Addtionally, since late 2020, youth suicide rates have increased in camps. According to authorities in Rwanga and Essyan, there were 45 suicide cases (attempts and deaths) in 2021 – the majority being young girls. And according to a Lotus Flower psychologist, eight out of 10 females in group sessions express hopelessness for the future, with four saying they have had suicidal thoughts and/or attempted suicide.
Our project provides mental health support for youths and their families, in groups and individually, with our trained psychologists, and enables them to participate in activities that build their self-confidence and reduce suicidal feelings. Participants are also encouraged to practice music, art and yoga to combat negative thoughts.