World Mental Health Day 2021: Observed Significance in Iraq

On World Mental Health Day today, each one of us would do well to take stock of our general train of thoughts – and actions – to look for any signs that indicate some form of mental unrest. Being in denial of a mental health problem, however small, can prove to be very detrimental. Recognizing that there is something wrong, on the other hand, can make all the difference. “COVID-19 has taken a devastating toll on people forced to flee,” said Sajjad Malik, Director of UNHCR’s Division of Resilience and Solutions. “The long, protracted nature of the pandemic and its deleterious health, economic and social impacts are exacerbating the stress and anxiety felt by many of those displaced. As livelihoods and fragile social support systems crumble, they need help more than ever to cope through the crisis and rebuild their lives.” UNHCR teams are reporting increased numbers of people seeking help for anxiety and depression. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, psychologists at refugee camps reported a sharp rise in counseling sessions – both in-person and remotely. In Peru, in the first seven months of this year, there was a 100 percent increase in calls and referrals to mental health and psychosocial support services, when compared to the same period last year. Before the pandemic, access to mental health care was already limited. The COVID-19 lockdowns put services under greater strain. Maintained services for those who were most in need through adapted community outreach and provision of essential medication. In 2021, normal service provision is progressively being restored. With increasing needs, however, access to quality mental health care remains a challenge. “Bouncing back to the pre-pandemic situation is not enough. Stronger efforts are needed to ensure that refugees, internally displaced and stateless people can access mental health and psychosocial support services on an equal footing as nationals,” added Malik. “Given the increased needs, we reiterate our call to the international community for more support to sustain and strengthen these life-saving activities.” Since the start of the pandemic, first-line responders integrates mental health and psychosocial wellbeing into refugee education programs, and assist people with severe or complex mental health conditions. News Mobilization Network

• Usfoor – Family Coach
• The Business Gates – Family Businesses & Climate Change Issues
• Bawarchikhanaa – Family Kitchen & Hygiene
• Mooeeza – Animal, Birds & Aqua Care
• LTA Sense – Medical Care
• Tafsiralahlam – Interpretation Site
• Praise of Plants – Praisers
• The Organic Rehab – Media Direction Lab
• The Home Improvement – Smart Homes
• Iqra – Religious Order Addressors
• Econ Theories – Bureau of Economics
• Webstreets – Web Journalism Bureau
• Component Replacement – Component Solution Alternators
• Aaila – Earlier Heaven Pursuit
• Moral Streets – Moral Tellers
• Quloob – Oneirocritic
• Waqt – Script Explanators
• The Virtuoso – Prayer Evangilists
• Khalaq – Educationists
• Almaraf – Tutors