According to patient data collected in 2012 by MSF and the IMoH, 97 percent of people who presented for counseling reported clinically significant psychological symptoms at admission. When measured on the last visit, the figure was reduced to 29 percent. Even when excluding domestic conflict, almost half of all cases seen in the program—48 percent—were violence-related. Nearly all staff and patients in the mental health program have either directly experienced or know someone close to them who has been directly affected by a violent event over recent years.
The report includes testimonies from Iraqis traumatized and struggling to rebuild lives after witnessing extreme violence.
A 36-year-old widowed mother of three describes how she began counseling sessions after her husband was killed.
“I lost my husband two years ago and the incident affected my life,” she said. “It changed my life, it turned my life upside down. I’m now the only one left responsible for raising my kids.”
One child, ten years old, describes how counseling has helped her improve her speech:
“I started attending the sessions to help improve my speech and help me overcome my fear,” she said. “I’m scared of everything. My body is always shivering. I can’t spell words correctly anymore. My teacher and my fellow classmates beat me all the time in school. I can’t study or learn anything. I’m unable to concentrate. I don’t talk to anyone. This is the first time I’ve talked to anyone about my problems.”
(Source: Doctors Without Borders)
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