2023-11-17 11:00:10
Mental health struggles in Baghdad prompt virtual solutions
As the ongoing conflicts in Iraq continue to dominate headlines, the mental health crisis in the country often goes overlooked. Raghad Qasim, a 34-year-old women’s rights activist, recently spoke out about her own struggle to find a psychotherapist in Baghdad, ultimately turning to online consultations for help.
According to the World Health Organization, there are only two mental health workers for every 100,000 people in Iraq, significantly below the global average. Raghad believes that the issue of mental health is neglected in Iraq by authorities, leading to a lack of awareness in society.
Raghad’s own mental health struggles became apparent during the lockdown period associated with the Covid pandemic. After losing her job and feeling symptoms of depression, she tried to find a therapist in Baghdad but had no luck. Instead, she turned to online consultations, where she connected with a Lebanese psychotherapist to address her mental health needs.
The ongoing war in neighboring countries, such as the conflict between Israel and Hamas, serves as a reminder of the psychological trauma that has become ingrained in Iraqi society after decades of conflicts. The need for mental health support remains high, yet the response and capabilities are far below expectations.
In Baghdad, Al-Rashad Teaching Hospital struggles to meet the demand for mental health services, with a severe shortage of specialist doctors and psychotherapists. The hospital receives patients with chronic and serious mental illnesses, providing outpatient counseling services for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Despite these challenges, there is some progress in reducing the stigma around seeking mental health support. Firas Al-Kadhimi, the hospital’s director, has noticed an increase in the number of visitors to counseling clinics, suggesting that mental health is becoming more acceptable in Iraqi society.
The international organization Doctors Without Borders also provides psychotherapy services to patients in Baghdad, alongside physical therapy services. Psychiatrist Zainab Abdel Razzaq, who works at the center, reports that the stigma of psychiatry is beginning to decline in recent years.
One patient, 30-year-old Zainab Abdel Wahab, shared her experience of discovering psychological treatment at the center, leading to a radical change in her psychology. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging that anyone can benefit from psychological treatment, challenging societal misconceptions about mental health.
As Iraq continues to grapple with ongoing conflicts, the need for mental health support remains critical, and efforts to increase access to services and reduce stigma are a crucial step forward in addressing the country’s mental health crisis.]
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