Armed conflicts and natural disasters cause significant challenges to the long-term mental health and psychosocial well-being of the affected population. Millions of people in many countries of the world experience war and conflict, and flight and displacement, over long periods of time and are severely affected by these experiences. This state of crisis also leads to intergenerational changes in traditional family and social structures. This often leads to severe emotional instability and a rapid increase in mental disorders such as trauma, anxiety, and depression. State professional mental healthcare services are rarely available in crisis countries. Even if they do exist, people who need psychological care are often not recognized as being in the need of help. Consequently, they are not referred to these services. There is an urgent need for high-quality mental health services and psychosocial support in crisis areas.
Elsevier, Field Guide to Global Health and Disaster, 2022, Pages 321-328
