The northern regions of Syria are experiencing a significant increase in psychological issues among the population, due to a buildup of various factors that have severely impacted individuals’ mental health. Years of displacement and ongoing bombardment by the Assad regime and Russia have created a challenging living environment in the region.
As rates of mental disorders rise in northern Syria, the area faces a shortage of medical professionals specializing in mental health. Authorities, including the Directorate of Health and civil society organizations, are striving to confront these challenges by organizing awareness campaigns, training new medical personnel, and providing psychological support sessions for those in need.
Disturbing Factors
In recent months, there has been an increase in psychological disorders in northern Syria, evidenced by mental health specialists reporting a rise in patients visiting psychological clinics, many of whom suffer from anxiety, depression, and feelings of guilt.
This situation arises from various factors, which can be highlighted through statistics from humanitarian organizations or discussions with psychologists.
One of the primary factors contributing to this issue is the surge in unemployment rates among civilians in the north, which has reached an average of 88.82%, according to statistics from the Syrian Response Coordinators. Young people struggle to find job opportunities that could provide them with a decent future, especially as the northern regions are bordered by political boundaries that restrict regular exit. Consequently, young individuals are compelled to search for work within a confined geographical area that is already crowded with displaced persons from various governorates.
According to the Syria Response Coordinators, the northwestern regions of Syria have seen an influx of individuals arriving from areas controlled by the Syrian regime via smuggling routes and irregular crossings; the number of arrivals has reached 17,843 since the beginning of 2024, while 47,893 individuals have arrived from Turkey to the Syrian interior through the Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Hawa crossings.
According to mental health worker Abdul Wahid Abdo, many individuals have struggled to adapt to the prevailing conditions in northern Syria, resulting in a significant increase in the number of young people visiting psychiatric clinics.
Abdul Wahid told Noon Post, “The most common cases presenting at psychological clinics are depression and anxiety, which arise from the circumstances experienced by Syrians, including displacement and the absence of a clear vision for the future, particularly among young people who cannot secure jobs and bear the heavy burdens of life.”
He further noted that war and conflict play a crucial role in the development of psychological disorders among Syrians. Amputees and those who have suffered physical disabilities due to war now experience feelings of shame, embarrassment, depression, and social isolation. Additionally, family separations, where family members migrate or are displaced, have led many Syrians to feel lonely and powerless.
According to statistics from the Health Directorate for 2023, “the percentage of complaints related to life pressures reached 27%, while the percentage of depression cases was 26%, and anxiety disorders accounted for 14%.”
School Violence
In northwestern Syria, rising unemployment coincides with escalating education costs, especially at the secondary and university levels, where tuition fees significantly exceed the average salary of an employee.
A university student (M.M.), who requested anonymity, suffered from prolonged periods of depression that led to hallucinations and various psychological and physical crises.
He told Noon Post, “Financial pressure from my family due to our economic struggles made me feel guilty, adding to my depression, as my university expenses became a burden on the entire household, alongside high transportation costs and the price of necessary materials. I resorted to sedatives and sleeping pills to cope with this stage, which I consider the most challenging time in my life.”
“Difficulties in studying are one of the causes of depression among youth,” stated Mays Najm, a mental health worker in Idlib, in an interview with Noon Post. “I encountered a case of a 19-year-old student who attempted suicide by cutting her artery. The reason for her attempt was that she received a grade that did not meet her family’s expectations, as they wanted her to attend medical school. The student also faced violence from her family and was forced to repeat the school year.”
School violence is recognized as a factor contributing to psychological disorders in students, leading some to contemplate suicide. This phenomenon is fueled by the life pressures faced by Syrian teachers, who struggle to manage their own emotions.
Psychiatrist Muwaffaq Amouri shared with Noon Post, “I dealt with a case of a 9-year-old boy who attempted suicide due to the violence he experienced at school.”
Amouri further explained, “Factors such as displacement, poverty, the spread of drugs, and the ongoing threat of war all contribute to the persistence and growth of psychological disorders. In our current situation, the solutions are severely limited. Additionally, the recent earthquake disaster has had a profound psychological impact on people, and many are still grappling with the trauma of the event.”
Rising Suicide Rates
Amid increasing psychological and social pressures, suicide rates have begun to rise alarmingly, as doctors and specialists express concerns over a potential escalation of the crisis due to the high number of suicide attempts that have been prevented.
According to the Idlib Health Directorate, nearly 60,000 individuals visit mental health centers annually, with a noticeable increase in suicide cases this year; over 3,000 crisis situations have been referred to mental health departments, which are already facing a shortage of specialized practitioners.
During the first half of 2024, the Syria Response Coordinators Team documented more than 43 suicide cases, including 10 children and 6 women, as well as 19 failed suicide attempts involving 9 women and 4 children.
A young woman (Q.A.), who chose not to disclose her name, was among those who contemplated suicide prior to seeking help at psychological treatment centers.
She recounted to Noon Post that she “suffered from suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behaviors, including direct physical harm. This was triggered by suddenly encountering harsh circumstances that were drastically different from her previous life, leading doctors to diagnose her with borderline personality disorder.”
Another individual, a young man (S.A.) who survived a suicide attempt, mentioned that he “tried to end his life to escape the tragic circumstances he was facing, as being displaced from his village forced him to drop out of school due to high costs, while he constantly searched for work without success.”
He told Noon Post, “Job opportunities – if they exist – typically require at least a high school diploma, and I am seeking employment to continue my studies while my family endures the worst financial conditions ever.”
After being saved from his suicide attempt, he underwent a year of therapy at a center that helped him activate his social network, practice deep breathing techniques, as well as scheduling and monitoring his thoughts, all without the use of medication.
Only Two Doctors
The alarming rise in psychological crises brings to light a serious issue: the severe shortage of mental health specialists, with only two psychiatrists available for more than 4 million people, creating a significant gap compared to international standards that recommend one psychiatrist for every 10,000 individuals.
As reported by the Idlib Health Directorate to Noon Post, “between 30% and 40% of the population in northwestern Syria could be experiencing psychological issues that require medical intervention and psychological support, yet the region only has two psychiatrists to serve a population of over 4.5 million who have endured harsh psychological conditions due to war, conflict, bombing, displacement, unemployment, and extreme poverty.”
In collaboration with the World Health Organization and both local and international organizations, the Health Directorate is working to bridge this gap by training and certifying more psychiatrists. Numerous civil society organizations are also organizing workshops and support sessions, raising awareness, particularly among the youth.
Mustafa Shaaban, an employee at the Sakina Foundation, shared with Noon Post, “Most mental health workers aim to improve mental well-being in northwestern Syria through their initiatives, focusing on providing psychological support to children and implementing programs to raise awareness about mental disorders and their impact on society and individuals.”
Psychological Advice
Psychologist Abdul Wahid Abdo recommends individuals experiencing psychological crises seek assistance from a psychologist for a biological evaluation to identify the problems they face.
He added, “Following this, the specialist formulates a care plan tailored to their specific needs. For individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors, a safety plan is developed to ensure their well-being.”
Abdul Wahid encourages participating in community activities and attending initiatives organized by organizations and the Health Directorate to increase awareness about these disorders and promote early recovery before symptoms worsen and necessitate referrals to psychological recovery centers.
Psychological Crises in Northern Syria: A Growing Concern
The northern regions of Syria are witnessing a noticeable exacerbation of psychological crises among the population, as a result of the accumulation of many factors that have greatly affected the mental health of individuals. The past years of displacement and continuous bombing by the Assad regime and Russia on the region have created a harsh living environment.
While rates of mental disorders are increasing in northern Syria, the region suffers from a shortage of medical personnel specializing in mental health, while the relevant authorities, including the Directorate of Health and civil society organizations, seek to address these challenges by organizing awareness campaigns, training new medical personnel, and providing psychological support sessions for those in need.
Disturbance Factors
Over the past months, psychological disorders have increased in northern Syria, as psychological specialists have noticed an increase in the number of visitors to psychological clinics, with many suffering from anxiety, depression, and feelings of guilt.
This is due to numerous factors, which can be highlighted through statistics from humanitarian organizations or by talking to psychologists.
High Unemployment Rates
The first of these factors is the increasing unemployment rates among civilians in the north, which reached an average of 88.82% according to statistics conducted by the Syrian Response Coordinators. Young people face problems securing job opportunities, especially since northern Syria is surrounded by political borders that inhibit regular movement, forcing them to seek work within a crowded, limited geographical area.
Increased Population Movement
According to Syria Response Coordinators, the northwestern regions of Syria witnessed a movement of arrivals from areas controlled by the Syrian regime, with a total of 17,843 people arriving since the beginning of 2024 and over 47,893 people arriving from Turkey through the Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Hawa crossings.
Abdul Wahid Abdo, a mental health worker, notes that many people have not been able to adapt to the current conditions, leading to a significant increase in young people visiting psychiatric clinics.
Impact of War on Mental Health
War and conflicts are primary contributors to the formation of psychological disorders among Syrians. Many individuals face feelings of shame, embarrassment, and isolation, particularly amputees and those with physical disabilities caused by the conflict. Family disintegration and the migration of family members have compounded feelings of loneliness and neglect.
According to the Health Directorate’s 2023 statistics, complaints related to life pressures reached 27%, while depression cases accounted for 26%, and anxiety disorders 14%.
School Violence and Educational Pressure
Unemployment coincides with rising education costs, particularly at secondary and university levels, where tuition fees far exceed the average employee’s salary.
A university student (M.M.), who wished to remain anonymous, experienced prolonged depression leading to hallucinations and significant psychological and physical crises. He cited family pressure due to financial hardship, describing the burden of educational expenses as overwhelming.
Mays Najm, a mental health worker in Idlib, reported cases of severe distress among students, including a tragic instance of a 19-year-old girl who attempted suicide due to academic pressure and family violence.
The Role of School Violence
School violence is increasingly recognized as a factor leading to severe psychological disorders and even suicide among students. The challenges faced by overwhelmed teachers, coupled with life pressures, contribute to an inability to manage classroom behavior effectively.
Psychiatrist Muwaffaq Amouri recounted the case of a 9-year-old boy who attempted suicide due to bullying at school, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive mental health strategies in educational settings.
Surge in Suicide Rates
Awareness of the rising suicide rates in northern Syria has grown, with specialists fearing further escalation. The Idlib Health Directorate confirms that approximately 60,000 individuals visit mental health centers every year, and distressingly, more than 3,000 cases of crisis have been referred to mental health departments this year alone.
In the first half of 2024, the Syria Response Coordinators documented over 43 suicide cases, including 10 children. Additionally, 19 failed suicide attempts have been recorded as the community grapples with increasing mental health challenges.
Case Studies of Mental Health Struggles
Many survivors of suicide attempts, like Q.A. and S.A., share their stories of desperation and the overwhelming circumstances surrounding their mental health crises. These personal narratives underscore the urgent need for accessible mental health services and support networks.
Critical Shortage of Mental Health Professionals
The significant gap in mental health services is alarming, with only two psychiatrists available to serve over 4 million people in northern Syria. This disparity starkly contrasts with international recommendations of one psychiatrist for every 10,000 individuals.
It is estimated that 30% to 40% of the population in northwestern Syria may require mental health support. The Health Directorate, collaborating with the World Health Organization and various organizations, aims to mitigate this shortage by training and preparing new mental health professionals.
Practical Tips for Mental Health Support
- Seek professional help if you experience symptoms of mental disorders.
- Engage in community activities to connect with peers and share experiences.
- Participate in workshops focused on mental health awareness.
- Practice mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques such as yoga and meditation.
Psychological Advice for Coping
Psychologist Abdul Wahid Abdo recommends that individuals experiencing psychological distress should consult a psychologist for a comprehensive evaluation. A specialized care plan should be developed to address their needs.
For those facing suicidal thoughts or self-harm tendencies, the creation of a safety plan is crucial. Furthermore, participation in community initiatives aimed at increasing awareness can foster early recovery and preventative care.
Statistics Overview
| Year | Suicide Cases | Mental Health Visitors | Depression Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 43 | 60,000 | 26% |
| 2024 (First Half) | 43+ (10 children) | Not Defined | 27% |