Asian Together’s Month May 2024: West Asian Mental Health
By Marwa Rahimyar
In the diverse culture and vast terrain of West Asia lies a complex and profoundly neglected concern that demands our attention: mental health. Here, amidst the complexities of modern geopolitics, the populace grapples with distinct societal struggles unique to this region, issues deeply rooted in inherited historical burdens, and ongoing conflicts. In Jordan, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar, the share of mental health conditions as a share of the total disease burden is alarmingly over double the global average of 5%. It is afflictions like these that render mental health a formidable challenge, intertwining the past and present together in the strive for wellbeing. Thus, examining the realm of mental health in the West Asia offers insights not only into the resilience of its people but also into the systemic changes necessary for progress and healing.
From the streets of Iran to the war torn landscapes of Syria, mental health challenges are ever present across the diverse nations in West Asia. Meanwhile in Yemen and occupied Palestine, the scars of conflict deepen the psychological distress among populations, specifically the youth who face constant bombardment, displacement, and instability in their early and vital years of development. Data reveals that West Asia experiences elevated levels of mental health disorders, a trend expected to escalate due to persistent wars and conflicts. Extensive community-based research indicates a prevalence ranging from 15.6% to 35.5%, with higher occurrences observed in countries grappling with complex emergencies like warfare and famine. Mental illness has contributed to 11.9 million disability-adjusted life years between the years of 1990 and 2013. Afghanistan grapples with not only the aftermath of decades of brutal war and invasion, but also with sparse mental health care resources. Lebanon, despite its flourishing and vibrant culture, wrestles with the strain of economic catastrophe and political unrest on its civilians’ mental wellbeing. Sudan and Libya face challenges alike, compounded by years of political upheaval and violence. Moreover, Kuwait undergoing rapid modernization and shifting social dynamics present new battles in pursuit of addressing major concerns regarding the mental health of their civilians. These nations' strife highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address mental health across the region, ensuring that all individuals residing within have access to adequate care and support, a basic human necessity.
Despite the growing recognition of the importance of mental health, the West Asian population continues to struggle with systemic barriers that obstruct access to care, treatment, and support for individuals in need. Limited availability of mental health services especially in rural and underserved areas, where individuals often face significant barriers in accessing care due to geographical distance and resource constraints. A survey conducted by the Iraqi government in 2006-2007 revealed that 17 percent of Iraqi adults suffer from mental disorders. Similarly, a 2003 national survey in Morocco indicated that nearly 50 percent of its population experiences mental health issues. In conflict-affected regions like Iraq and Palestine, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is widespread. The Gaza Community Mental Health Programme recently reported that 97.5 percent of children aged 10-19 in the Gaza Strip experience PTSD. Such alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for action and highlight the critical importance of addressing the root cause of the issue. Moreover, shortages of trained mental health professionals exacerbate the problem, leaving vast segments of the population without access to adequate support. These challenges include the issue of inadequate funding for mental health programs, which restricts the development of essential infrastructure and the implementation of evidence-based interventions. Consequently, individuals seeking mental health assistance encounter a fragmented and under equipped system that fails to meet their needs effectively. Furthermore, entrenched stigma and misinformation surrounding mental illness perpetuate societal barriers, discouraging individuals from seeking help and hindering progress towards destigmatization.
Addressing these systemic challenges requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes investment in mental health infrastructure, workforce development, and public education initiatives to promote awareness and assistance. Additionally, ending the cycle of war and bombardment in West Asia is crucial for improving mental health outcomes in the region. Sustainable peace efforts must be prioritized, with a focus on diplomatic negotiations, conflict resolution, and reconciliation processes. International organizations and governments must work collaboratively to address the root causes of conflict and promote dialogue among conflicting parties. Investing in humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in war-torn areas is essential for rebuilding communities and restoring hope for the future. Providing trauma-informed mental health support for individuals affected by conflict, including refugees, internally displaced people, and survivors of violence, is critical for addressing the psychological impact of war. By prioritizing peacebuilding and conflict resolution initiatives and working towards making mental health care, treatment, and support readily available and easily accessible for all residing in West Asia, the world can take significant strides towards creating a more safe, strong, and resilient society in the West Asia. Studies show that over 450 million people are reported to suffer from mental or neurological disorders in the continent. This staggering number emphasizes the significance of organizations like AsianTogether, dedicated to advocating for mental health and ensuring equitable representation for all Asians globally.
