World Mental Health Day 2016

Violence can create an environment of chaos, fear and uncertainty, and severely affect the physical and emotional well-being of individuals, families and their communities.

This can leave people and communities overwhelmed and with depleted resources to cope. Many in need of help often have little or no access to mental health services and psychosocial support, while others fear the stigma of reaching out for help.

We aim to respond to the psychological and psychosocial needs of victims of violence by working closely with communities to build on their own resources and capacity to provide support to those in need.

ICRC in Nigeria

Fighting in North East Nigeria has forced millions to flee their homes. Many have seen their relatives and friends killed, and the destruction of their communities. Young men, whose relatives have died as a result of the violence, are often left to support themselves and their remaining family. The psychological consequences of such extreme situations, compounded by the struggle to provide for themselves and their families, have left many young men feeling stigmatized, rejected and suffering from mental health issues.

Nigerian Red Cross volunteers are trained and supported so they can run counselling support groups for these young men, as well as other vulnerable people.

Gaza

Conflict in Gaza has left countless people and families with devastating physical and psychological wounds. Many have lost limbs and are unable to adapt to a new way of living.

We provide training and assistance to the local Ministry of Health to run "Healing the Wounds", a programme that offers mental health and psychosocial support to people with physical disabilities and helps them to move forward with their life.