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If you’ve been struggling with mental health, you’re not alone

‘Is this just me?’ – Syrian refugee women discuss their mental health during the pandemic

COVID-19 has had an impact on all of us and it can be hard to cope emotionally. 

Verified has been working with Rozana FM to create a new radio and digital series raising awareness and giving support on mental health to Syrian refugees. 

In the Middle East and North Africa, a recent study showed that 31% of adults have reported severe psychological impact from the pandemic, while 40% said their stress levels had increased because of the impact on their work and livelihoods.

With diagnoses like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety affecting significant numbers of people in the region and beyond, we produced a video that was created based on real testimonies of Syrian women living in Turkey during the pandemic. 

The refugee women’s stories show how the effects of lockdowns and changes in lifestyle, income and routine are taking their toll on this community.

Research has shown that mental health issues are more likely to affect people who already face other considerable challenges and has longer term impacts on under-resourced communities. But it’s not just vulnerable people who have been affected by the stresses of the pandemic. Everybody has suffered in some way.

One of the positive things that has emerged over the last 18 months are the examples of people supporting each other, as individuals and communities.

Offering support, and receiving it, is really important in tackling mental health issues. This can be as simple as offering to talk, listen, or share our feelings. We can also share tips on how to boost our positivity through things like exercise, or activities that keep us mentally active, or getting enough sleep and rest, or simply doing small things that make us feel better whether its stroking a pet, talking to a friend, or going for a long walk.

Watch and share our video today.